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Indian Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Chandigarh, Panchkula to observe mock drills, blackouts today
In a bid to improve coordination among the civil administration, emergency services, and armed forces in an event of war-like or hostile situation, mock drills and blackouts will be organised in Chandigarh and Panchkula under the initiative 'Operation Shield'. A 10-minute blackout will be observed in the Kishangarh and IT Park areas of Chandigarh on Saturday from 8 pm to 8.10 pm. The exercise is being coordinated by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, and will take place across states and Union Territories along the western border to enhance emergency response capabilities. In Chandigarh, the blackout will simulate emergency conditions in the event of a hostile attack. Additionally, a mock drill will be held at the Community Centre in Sector 47, simulating a drone attack on a military station. As part of the scenario, 20 civilians will be evacuated, and the medical response system will be tested, including the arrangement of 30 units of blood and deployment of medical teams for the injured. It will involve civil defence volunteers, Home Guards, NCC, NSS, NGOs, and local authorities. Key activities will include air raid simulations, drone and missile threat drills, operation of air raid sirens, and communication exercises between civil and military control rooms. The Border Wing Home Guards will also be mobilised as part of rear area security support for the Indian Army. Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav has directed all departments under the Chandigarh Administration to participate fully and extend complete cooperation to ensure the success of the drill. Meanwhile, a 15-minute blackout will be observed throughout Panchkula district on Saturday, from 8 pm to 8:15 pm. Panchkula Deputy Commissioner Monika Gupta announced that the blackout is being organised to raise awareness and test readiness during hostile conditions. Citizens were urged to turn off all indoor and outdoor lighting, avoid using mobile flashlights or any light sources, and remain alert while cooperating fully with the administration.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Panchkula admin does it again, fails to communicate mock drill cancellation
1 2 3 Panchkula: Once again, the Panchkula administration has come under fire for its lack of preparedness and poor communication. Despite earlier announcements about a mock drill and blackout scheduled for Wednesday night, the administration failed to inform residents about its cancellation, leaving many confused and uncertain. This stands in stark contrast to Chandigarh and Gurugram, where respective administrations not only announced the drill under Operation Shield in the evening but also promptly informed the public of its cancellation later that night. Although the Haryana government issued a general cancellation notice, Panchkula deputy commissioner had made a separate announcement earlier, leading to confusion among residents about whether the drill was still on in Panchkula. The district administration only issued a clarification the following morning via the director public relations WhatsApp group. Blackout Timings Changed Thrice Adding to the confusion, the administration changed the blackout timings three times. Initially, a press release announced the blackout from 8 pm to 8.15 pm. Minutes later, the message was deleted from the official WhatsApp group. Upon inquiry, officials stated the new timing was 10 pm to 10.15 pm. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Eventually, a final press release revised the timing again to 11 pm to 11.15 pm. "The Panchkula administration should be responsive and responsible during such times. Even during Covid, we faced similar issues with communication. Why does the administration remain inactive while others lead?" said Mohit Gupta, founder of the Solution Box forum. "Residents were left confused and uninformed last night." Weeklong Training Ends in a Day In another instance of poor planning, the administration had announced a weeklong civil defence training for volunteers in response to India-Pakistan tensions. However, due to a lack of awareness and last-minute communication, very few people turned up. The training, which was supposed to last a week, ended abruptly in a single day without any formal announcement. Inactive Social Media Presence Residents also pointed out the lack of digital communication. While the verified X (formerly Twitter) accounts of the Chandigarh and Mohali DCs are regularly updated with public announcements and initiatives, Panchkula DC's unverified X account has been inactive since Sep 29, 2024. Many residents said they feel left out and find the silence from the administration unusual. When contacted, DC Monika Gupta said, "Information was shared as soon as directions were received from higher authority."
Time of India
24-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Hry conductor asks studentswith valid bus passes for fare
1 2 Panchkula : Taking strong note of complaints from students regarding a Haryana Roadways conductor demanding fare from them despite they having valid bus passes, DC (Panchkula) Monika Gupta has directed immediate action. The DC instructed the GM of Haryana Roadways to replace the conductor and ordered an inquiry into the matter. Students also complained that the conductor frequently skipped designated stops, causing inconvenience to daily commuters. The directive came during the DC's third overnight stay programme at Govt Senior Secondary School in Mandhana village, Morni block, where she heard and addressed public grievances. Out of 35 complaints received from villagers, several were resolved on the spot, while instructions were issued to address the rest promptly. Women-related issues were given priority. Recognising academic excellence, DC Monika Gupta honoured top-performing 12th-grade students — Gauri, Neha, Pallavi, Palak, Lakshmi, Deepa, Priya, and Deepika — for their outstanding results. She also congratulated DEO Satpal Kaushik for the school's 100% pass rate and expressed hope that the students would bring further glory by topping the district next year. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Side Sleepers Get Neck Pain - Few Know This Pillow Trick Sleep Digest Publication Undo The overnight programme also included an awareness drive, with 20 govt departments setting up stalls to inform villagers about various welfare schemes. The electricity department emphasised the benefits of solar energy and encouraged widespread adoption, highlighting available government subsidies. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
11-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Week long civil defence volunteer training begins from today
Times News NetworkPanchkula: In the wake of the tense stand-off with Pakistan, Panchkula administration will provide week-long civil defence training to volunteers, starting Monday. Eligible citizens are required to register for the programme by scanning the registration link provided. Training sessions will be held daily from 9am to 12pm at Tau Devi Lal Stadium, Sector 3, Panchkula. Interested individuals may also register themselves at the venue. Deputy commissioner (DC) Monika Gupta said that the training would equip the youth to protect themselves and others during a disaster. To qualify as a volunteer, participants should be between 18 and 50 years old and must have cleared at least Class X. For those aspiring to become master trainers, minimum of eight to 10 years of volunteer experience and three to five years of experience as a warden is required, besides a bachelor's degree (BA) and physical sessions will also be held at the Govt Industrial Training Institute (ITI) at Bitna, Pinjore, from 2pm to 5pm for youths and other interested individuals. The deputy commissioner urged all eligible residents to scan the registration link and enrol promptly to become part of this vital initiative. She called on the community to come forward and contribute to building a safer and more resilient training was announced to engage volunteers amid tensions between India and Pakistan. However, even after the ceasefire agreement, the administration seems to be preparing not just for war but also for other disaster or emergency situations where volunteers may be required to assist and serve 121079594 413 | Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Mother's Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Voluntary blackout back in Tricity
1 2 3 4 5 6 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 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 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. Operation Sindoor India-Pakistan Tensions Live Updates: India hits back after Pakistan violates ceasefire; Nagrota sentry hurt in brief gunfire Operation Sindoor Live Updates: Drones shot down at multiple places in J&K as Pakistan violates bilateral understanding Pak drones enter Indian airspace, explosions heard just hours after truce deal 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
