As tensions escalate between India and Pakistan in the wake of Operation Sindoor, Punjab has been placed on high alert. District administrations have ordered a complete overnight blackout starting May 8. Gurdaspur, seen as more sensitive than Amritsar, will observe a full district-wide blackout as a precautionary measure. 6 districts will face a blackout.
Gurudaspur
The deputy commissioner of Gurdaspur issued an order on Thursday, saying that a blackout will be held in the district from 9 pm to 5 am, starting tonight, until further orders. However, no blackout will be conducted in cantonment zones or military areas. Other district administrations have clarified that blackouts will be imposed based on real-time alerts from the Army and Air Force.
Blackouts will be carried out based on alerts from the Army or Air Force, but authorities have confirmed that precautionary measures will be implemented immediately to ensure public safety. Tarn Taran Deputy Commissioner Rahul conveyed this stance, which was echoed by officials from several other districts including Sangrur, Patiala, Faridkot, Jalandhar, Fazilka, Ferozepur, and Pathankot.
In light of recent developments, Pathankot Deputy Commissioner Aditya Uppal emphasised the need for vigilance, stating that the situation could not be taken lightly. He noted that the midnight blackout conducted on May 7–8 was intended as a precautionary measure to raise public awareness, signalling that such scenarios may occur at any moment following a siren alert.
Districts On High Alert
Recent information shared by the Ministry of Defence has added to growing public unease. The latest update reveals that potential air attacks on Amritsar, Pathankot, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, and Bathinda were neutralised by the Indian Air Force during the night of May 7-8. “After hearing this, we can expect regular blackouts to become the norm,” a resident from Sangrur said.
To prevent the hoarding and black marketing of essential items like food, petrol, diesel, fodder, and other daily needs, Sahni set up a special task force and issued helpline numbers for public support.
This task force will be headed by the district food supply controller and the mandi officer, who have been instructed to take strict measures against anyone creating artificial shortages or engaging in black market activities.
Blackout Hygiene
- Cover all windows with thick blackout curtains, dark cloth, or cardboard to prevent light leaks
- Turn off all outdoor lights during blackout drills or actual alerts
- Practice blackout drills with your family to ensure everyone knows what to do
- Learn air raid siren signals- long wails indicate alert; short bursts signal all-clear
- Locate nearby shelters such as basements, underground parking lots, or official safe zones
- Keep an emergency kit ready with a torch and extra batteries, water, non-perishable food, and a first aid kit
- Immediately stop all outdoor activity and avoid phone use unless necessary during an alert to keep lines open for emergencies
