Punjab on alert: All-night blackout at Gurdaspur, fireworks ban in 6 districts

Indian Express

08-05-2025

Amid escalating tensions along the India-Pakistan border following Operation Sindoor, authorities in Punjab's Gurdaspur ordered a district-wide blackout starting Thursday night. Meanwhile, the deputy commissioners in six Punjab border districts imposed a ban on the use of fireworks.
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 districts clarified that blackouts will be imposed based on real-time alerts from the Army or Air Force. 'Blackouts will be conducted based on alerts from the Army or Air Force, but precautionary measures will be taken immediately for public safety,' Tarn Taran Deputy Commissioner Rahul said. Similar inputs were shared by administration officials from Sangrur, Patiala, Faridkot, Jalandhar, Fazilka, Ferozepur, and Pathankot.
'Considering the recent developments, we cannot take things lightly. The public must follow blackout protocols. The midnight blackout conducted on May 7-8 was a signal to make people aware that such situations may arise at any time following a siren,' said Aditya Uppal, Deputy Commissioner of Pathankot.
Himanshu Aggarwal, Deputy Commissioner of Jalandhar, added, 'Blackouts will be enforced as and when red alerts are issued by the Air Force or Army.' Faridkot Deputy Commissioner Poonamdeep Kaur echoed a similar stance.
Recent information released by the Ministry of Defence has further heightened public concern. According to the update, 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.
In Amritsar, task force formed to curb hoarding
Meanwhile, Sakshi Sahni, the deputy commissioner of Amritsar, announced a complete ban on the use of fireworks — including aerial crackers and Chinese firecrackers — during weddings, celebrations, and religious events within the district.
This measure, enacted under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, is intended to prevent public panic and maintain law and order. The ban will remain in effect until further notice, the order said.
To curb hoarding and black marketing of essential items such as food, petrol, diesel, fodder, and other daily necessities, Sahni formed a special task force and also released helpline numbers for public assistance.
The task force will be led by the district food supply controller and the district mandi officer, who have been directed to take strict action to prevent black marketing, hoarding, and artificial shortage of goods in the district.
As per the issued guidelines, this team will conduct inspections and take immediate action against any individual or institution found involved in unethical trade practices. Sahni stated that uninterrupted access to essential items at fair prices will be ensured, especially for the vulnerable sections of society.
She further clarified that no individual, trader, or organisation will be allowed to hoard essential goods such as grains and related items, fodder, milk and dairy products, petrol, diesel, and other fuels. Any violation in this regard will be dealt with strictly, the order said.
The deputy commissioner assured that there is no shortage of essential items and appealed to the public not to panic or resort to hoarding, and gave assurance that the administration is fully prepared to maintain supply stability across the district.
Meanwhile, the deputy commissioner of Tarn Taran issued orders for all government, aided, and private schools in the district to remain closed from May 8 to May 11. This decision has been made to ensure the safety of the children, the order said.
* Install thick blackout curtains or blinds on all windows.
* Prepare your home to operate without lights during the blackout.
* Use light-blocking materials like dark cloth or cardboard.
* Ensure outdoor lights are switched off during drills.
* Test your preparedness by simulating a blackout with family members.
* Familiarise yourself with the air raid siren sounds (e.g., long wails for alerts, short bursts for all-clear).
* Identify the nearest shelter locations, such as basements, underground car parks, or designated safe zones.
* Keep a basic emergency kit ready, including a torch with extra batteries, water bottles, non-perishable food items, first aid kit etc
* Immediately stop outdoor activities and proceed to the nearest shelter.
* Avoid using phones unless necessary to keep communication lines free for emergencies.
* Follow instructions from authorities or wardens present in the area.