Mock blackout drill conducted in Phagwara and Kapurthala
In a significant step toward strengthening civil preparedness amid heightened regional tensions, the administrations of Phagwara and Kapurthala conducted a coordinated four-hour mock blackout drill on Thursday night. The drill, held from 9:30 pm to 1 am, aimed to assess the readiness of civic bodies and residents in the event of a real emergency.
The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) implemented a scheduled power cut a few minutes ahead of the designated time. Sirens were sounded to alert the public, though reports suggested they were audible only faintly in some areas. In compliance with prior instructions, markets had shut down well before the drill began, and streetlights were turned off. However, several solar-powered traffic signals and privately installed lights remained unintentionally illuminated, raising questions about coordination with private and semi-public infrastructure.
Throughout the blackout, residents largely refrained from using alternate power sources such as inverters and generators, displaying commendable public cooperation. However, vehicular movement on the roads continued, with many drivers failing to dim their high-beam headlights despite police and volunteer requests. A notable number of citizens gathered at major intersections and on neighbourhood streets, engaging in discussions about the drill and its implications, inadvertently compromising the purpose of the exercise, which was to simulate reduced visibility and restricted outdoor movement.
Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar Panchal and Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Toora, who jointly oversaw the drill, urged the public to treat such exercises with seriousness and discipline. Addressing the media, DC Panchal emphasised that mock drills are a routine part of disaster management strategy and are intended to ensure that both authorities and the public remain prepared for any contingency. He reassured citizens that there was no need to panic, reiterating that this was only a precautionary measure.
The administration has directed all government departments to maintain full readiness and restricted leave for all officials during this period of heightened alertness. Control rooms are being set up at the district and sub-divisional level to facilitate coordinated response mechanisms. Unauthorised drone activity has been prohibited within district limits to prevent misinformation or surveillance breaches.
The authorities also appealed to village and ward-level security committees to be vigilant and proactive in their localities. Residents were encouraged to report any suspicious activity or individuals to the nearest police station or by dialling the emergency helpline number 112. Officials warned that legal action would be taken against those found spreading rumours or misinformation that could incite public unrest.
DC Panchal also instructed the PSPCL to ensure uninterrupted power supply to essential services such as hospitals and emergency response units, which were advised to use electricity judiciously.
In Phagwara, Additional Deputy Commissioner Dr Akshita Gupta called on residents to strictly adhere to government advisories during such exercises. Meanwhile, SDM Jashanjit Singh convened a meeting with key stakeholders, including police officials, doctors from government and private hospitals, and officers from various departments, to ensure a unified and effective approach during the blackout.
The drill, while successful in many respects, also highlighted areas that require improved coordination and public awareness.
Jalandhar