Blackout for hour, people gather on roads

The district administration conducted a one-hour mock blackout drill from 8 pm to 9 pm on Wednesday as part of its preparedness exercise post escalation of tension between India and Pakistan.

The PSPCL imposed a power cut a few minutes before the given time. Sirens were also put out which were heard feebly at most places. Before this time, all markets had got shut down. Streetlights were also put out. But traffic lights and lights of unipole hoardings mostly bearing the state government advertisements erroneously remained lit.

During the one-hour drill, people did not switch on any lights using inverters or generators. As was seen in Jalandhar Cantonment blackout drill yesterday, people continued to commute on roads with high beam headlights on. Though there were volunteers asking people to switch off their headlights, only a few adhered to the directions. A large number of people had come out of their homes to the streets and main intersections to discuss the situation.

Deputy Commissioner Dr Himanshu Aggarwal told the public that there is no need to panic as this is just an exercise. He noted that such mock drills are routinely conducted to ensure preparedness for emergencies. He also directed that no official should take leave during this time.

He further stated that control rooms are being established at both district and sub-divisional levels. The use of drones within the district limits without permission is prohibited. Dr Aggarwal appealed to village and ward security committees to remain alert and help raise awareness in their areas. He also urged residents to report any suspicious individuals to the nearest police station immediately. He warned that strict action will be taken under the law against those spreading false rumours.

The Deputy Commissioner instructed the PSPCL to avoid power cuts in emergency service institutions and advised hospitals and emergency units to use electricity only as needed. He also ordered departments to remain prepared for any situation. Civil Defence, NCC, Scouts, and Guides were also asked to be available during emergencies.

Police Commissioner Dhanpreet Kaur advised residents to report any suspicious activities to the police or the control room number 112. Additionally, property owners were instructed to report details of tenants to their respective police stations.

Meanwhile, he held a meeting with senior officials from departments providing essential services as well as representatives from the NDRF, SDRF, the Army, BSF, Railways, Air Force, and ITBP. Present at the meeting were Police Commissioner Dhanpreet Kaur, Brigadier Sunil Kumar Sohal, Col Ajay Pal Singh, Station Adjutant of Air Force Station Adampur Manoj Kalia, SSP Harvinder Singh Virk, Joint Police Commissioner Sandeep Sharma, Jalandhar Municipal Corporation Commissioner Gautam Jain, Additional Deputy Commissioners Jasvir Singh and Buddhi Raj Singh.

Jalandhar