Blackout drill in 10 areas of Ludhiana tonight, here's what to do when you hear siren

Indian Express

07-05-2025

In the wake of heightened tension in India's border states with Pakistan in the wake of Operation Sindoor, the Ludhiana district administration in Punjab will conduct a blackout drill in 10 areas from 8 to 8.30 pm Wednesday to prepare civilians in the event of a hostile attack.
The Indian armed forces launched Operation Sindoor on the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday and conducted multiple airstrikes targeting terrorist training camps operating on Pakistani soil. The operation was launched two weeks after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were shot dead.
To prepare citizens for civilian defence in the event of a retaliatory attack by Pakistan, civil mock drills are being conducted nationwide Wednesday.
Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora announced that the Ludhiana district administration will conduct a civild defence mock drill from 4 to 5 pm at a specific location (near Verka Milk Plant) followed by the blackout drill. He appealed to the public to cooperate with the administration during the exercise. The long siren will mean that a drill has started, he said.
Blackouts are strategic maneuvers used during wartime or conflict situations. They involve cutting off power to entire cities for extended periods, often lasting through the night. Authorities instruct citizens to keep all lights off, including those powered by generators and inverters, to minimise the risk of detection. These blackouts hinder enemy aircraft from identifying and targeting structures, thus helping to protect civilians from foreign adversaries.
The district administration said, 'All Ludhiana residents are requested not to believe in any kind of rumours. Official information will only be shared on official handles of District Public Relations Officer Ludhiana on Facebook, Instagram and X. If anyone shares any misinformation or spreads panic, legal action will be taken against them.'
1. Bhanohar, Hasanpur, Baddowal
2. Rurka, Jangpur, Khadoor
3. Haveli- City Adda Dakha
4. Adda City- City Adda Dakha
5. Ajitsar- City Adda Dakha
6. Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) base
7. Issewal, Gahour, Detwal
8. Mullanpur, Kailpur, Baraich
9. Shellar- Mullanpur, Madiani, MorKarima
10. Boothgarh- Dakha including Baddowal Cantonment area fed from 66 KV (Rajguru Nagar)
Residents are advised to follow these steps:
1. Stay calm, don't panic.
2. Stop what you are doing, pay attention.
3. Listen to announcements, follow instructions from police and authorities
4. Don't spread rumours, share only official news.
5. Stay in the safe place until you hear the short siren or are told it is safe.
If it's a blackout drill:
1. Switch off all lights – inside and outside the house.
2. If in a vehicle, stop the vehicle and park at a safe place
3. Draw the curtains.
4. Stay indoors.
5. Keep following news updates.
6. Avoid using lifts – use stairs if needed.