Voluntary blackout back in Tricity

Time of India

10-05-2025

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Chandigarh/Panchkula: A few hours after district administrations in Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali announced withdrawal of blackout and other instructions in the wake of the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, a major part of the Tricity opted for voluntary blackout as reports of ceasefire violations emerged from the border regions.Streetlights were switched off in all the three cities around 9.30-10pm.
A majority of residential societies swicthed off their lights too. In Chandigarh, after swiching on street lights for a short period in the evening, the municipal corporation switched off all the street lights of the city around 9.30pm on Saturday. The electrical wing of the MC carried out the task following orders of the senior officers of the MC."We received a call late in the night to switch off all the streetlights," an official said. In some markets, police personnel even asked shopkeepers to close their shops around 9 pm.Clarifying on the situation, Chandigarh DC Nishant Kumar Yadav at around 10 pm, said, "There are no orders for blackouts or closure of markets. There are no alerts as yet of any attack. As and when there are alerts for an attack the directions for blackouts will be given along with the air raid siren."Mohali administration in its advisory said, "As discussed with the authorities, situation at Mohali is normal. Public is advised to remain alert, however, do not panic. We have all the precautions in place. All the teams have been put on alert. In case of imminent threat, warnings will be issued. Even though Panchkula DC Monika Gupta said blackout to be observed only when air sirens are sounded, streetlights were switched off in the city following fresh
tensions between India and Pakistan
.In Mohali, large sections of the city remained in near-darkness on Saturday night.
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In 3B2, usually bustling till midnight, shops began closing by 10 pm. Even streetlights and parking area lights remained off."There was no government order, but our society asked us to switch off lights as a precaution," said Sukhwinder Kaur, a resident of a society in Sector 91. "I kept some lights on inside, but most of our block was dark.
"Many societies reportedly circulated advisories urging a blackout, citing ongoing tensions and unconfirmed ceasefire reports earlier in the day. While some welcomed the gesture as cautious, others expressed frustration.Earlier, Chandigarh deputy commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav said, "In light of the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, the earlier request for the voluntary closure of shops and other establishments is hereby withdrawn. All shops and establishments are now permitted to operate as usual."In Mohali, in the wake of the ceasefire agreement, all the prohibitory orders issued earlier were withdrawn. In Panchkula too, earlier orders were withdrawn, allowing shops to operate as usual.With the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between the two nations, public spaces such as malls, cinemas, restaurants, pubs, and banquet halls resumed regular operations in the evening."Shops can now open at usual timings. Only if air sirens are sounded, then a blackout has to be observed," said deputy commissioner Monika Gupta. Restaurants and cafes across sectors 5, 9, and 11 have resumed full service, following earlier restrictions on dine-in hours.Earlier welcoming the ceasefire, CRAWFED president Hitesh Puri said, "It showed the togetherness of India, irrespective of opinions and ideologies. We all are united. City residents came forward to contribute to their capacities as was required by the Chandigarh administration. People were very responsive to the need of the hour. We are so happy that the young generation showed responsiveness and dedication to the country's cause. It also helped people and the administration to better tackle such situations in the future."The hospitality industry, which was worst hit in the aftermath of the Pahalgam tragedy, also welcomed the ceasefire. Ankit Gupta, president of the Chandigarh Hospitality Association and vice-president of the Hotel & Restaurant Association of Northern India, said, "We are proud of our armed forces for their achievement during the hostilities. For the last week, the visitors to the city and hotel bookings went down. Now the industry is hoping that tourism and business travellers will return to the city."Residents of a society in Zirakpur expressed their happiness by waving the national flag and distributing sweets. similar scenes were witnessed in other parts of the Tricity.Earlier in the day, in a media briefing, Chandigarh DC extended his gratitude to residents for their cooperation during the voluntary blackout observed after 7pm on Friday in Chandigarh.In the briefing held at around 2.30pm, before the announcement of the ceasefire, Yadav requested the residents to voluntarily remain indoors after 9pm. Similarly, all commercial establishments, including shops, malls, clubs, hotels, and restaurants, were urged to close by 9pm on a voluntary basis.Before the ceasefire announcement, Panchkula deputy commissioner Monika Gupta addressed the media after a review meeting chaired by chief minister Nayab Singh Saini via video conferencing with all deputy commissioners, superintendents of police, and other senior officials across the state.Gupta said the administration made full preparations regarding healthcare and fire emergency services. Paramedical trainees are being provided with first-aid and emergency response training to ensure their services can be utilised if required.Security remains tight, with police patrolling key public areas and entry checkpoints still active. Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.