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Punjab Mock Drill: Punjab will conduct a large-scale civil defence mock drill across 20 cities today, Wednesday, 7 May, as part of a nationwide initiative ordered by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). This initiative comes after the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians.
The drills, being rolled out in two phases, aim to test and strengthen civilian and institutional readiness in the event of an air attack or wartime emergency, particularly in the wake of India’s recent airstrike in Muridke, Pakistan, just 60 km from Amritsar.
Two-Phase Drill Across Punjab
According to state officials, the mock drills have been designed to simulate hostile scenarios with precision. The exercise will take place in two distinct phases:
1. Air Attack Simulation – 4 PM A loud siren will sound
at 4 PM to indicate the start of a simulated air raid across all 20 cities.
Citizens are urged to treat this drill seriously by turning off lights,
switching off electrical appliances, and moving to the safest part of their
homes. Emergency services, administrative staff, and security forces will also
be mobilised to assess real-time response capabilities.
2. Night Blackout Drill – City-Specific Timings Each city will observe a 30 to 60-minute blackout later in the evening. The blackout is meant to simulate a real air attack situation, where cutting off all visible lights makes enemy targeting more difficult.
Blackout Timings City-Wise
Here’s when to expect the blackout drill in your city:
- Amritsar: 10:30 PM – 11:00 PM
- Jalandhar: 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Ludhiana: 8:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Batala: 9:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Gurdaspur: 9:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Pathankot: 10:00 PM – 10:30 PM
- Abohar: 10:00 PM – 10:30 PM
The remaining cities, categorised into Zone-2 and Zone-3, will also follow similar blackout windows, with coordinated security exercises underway throughout the state.
Also Read: Chandigarh Airport Closed Until Further Notice
What To Expect at 4 PM
The following instructions will help residents participate effectively:
- Switch off all lights in homes, offices, and public spaces.
- If emergency lights are necessary, cover windows with thick curtains or cardboard.
- Avoid using mobile phones or torches near windows or open areas.
- Move to a safe zone in your home — ideally a room with minimal exposure.
- Families are encouraged to rehearse together — practice your response calmly.
- Listen to radios or news updates for official information.
- Turn off gas and electrical appliances immediately after the siren to prevent mishaps.
- Take care of children, elderly, and pets during the exercise.
A long siren will indicate the start of the drill, while a short siren will signal that it’s safe again.
Why This Matters
This preparedness push comes shortly after the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, many of them tourists. The Ministry of Home Affairs has since stepped up security measures nationwide, with over 244 civil defence districts, including Chandigarh, now participating in similar drills.
For Punjab, a border state often on high alert, this is more than just a rehearsal. With ongoing military vigilance and growing geopolitical tensions, today's drill is a timely reality check of how quickly and effectively authorities and civilians can respond if the unthinkable occurs.
Authorities have made it clear: there is no cause for panic. Instead, today’s exercises are part of a national precautionary strategy. Citizens are being asked to remain calm, participate sincerely, and avoid sharing unverified information that may cause confusion or fear.
