Punjab's Amritsar Blackout: A Strategic Civil Defence Drill Amid Rising Tensions
Introduction
In early May 2025, the city of Amritsar in Punjab experienced a series of coordinated blackouts as part of a nationwide civil defence exercise named 'Operation Abhyaas'. These drills were conducted against the backdrop of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, following India's targeted airstrikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under 'Operation Sindoor' . The blackouts aimed to assess and enhance the preparedness of civilians and administrative bodies in the event of potential cross-border hostilities.
The Blackout Drills: Execution and Purpose
The Amritsar district administration initiated the first blackout drill on the evening of May 7, 2025, between 10:30 PM and 11:00 PM. A subsequent drill commenced in the early hours of May 8, around 1:30 AM . Residents were instructed to stay indoors, avoid panic, and switch off all external lights. The iconic Golden Temple also participated by turning off its lights during the drill.
Objectives of the Drills
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Assess Emergency Preparedness: Evaluate the readiness of civilians and authorities during potential air raids or missile attacks.
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Enhance Coordination: Improve coordination among various administrative and emergency services.
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Public Awareness: Educate the public on protocols during emergencies to minimize chaos and casualties.
Regional Implementation
While Amritsar was a focal point, similar blackout drills were conducted in other border districts of Punjab, including Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur, Fazilka, and Pathankot . These regions, due to their proximity to the international border, are considered high-risk zones during escalated tensions.
Table: Blackout Drill Schedule in Punjab (May 7-8, 2025)
| District | Date | Time Slot | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amritsar | May 7 | 10:30 PM - 11:00 PM | Initial blackout drill |
| Amritsar | May 8 | 1:30 AM onwards | Follow-up drill |
| Tarn Taran | May 8 | 2:00 AM onwards | Drill confirmed by Deputy Commissioner |
| Gurdaspur | May 8 | Post-midnight | Drill conducted as precautionary measure |
| Fazilka | May 8 | Post-midnight | Drill preceded by sirens |
| Pathankot | May 8 | Post-midnight | Drill conducted in coordination with others |
Public Response and Administration's Appeal
The drills, though precautionary, led to a mix of reactions among residents. Some reported hearing loud sounds during the night, leading to speculation about potential blasts. However, the police denied any such incidents, attributing the sounds to routine activities .
The District Public Relations Officer (DPRO) emphasized that the blackouts were purely precautionary, urging residents not to panic and to cooperate fully .
Strategic Significance
The blackouts were not isolated events but part of a broader strategy to prepare the nation for potential emergencies. Given the recent military operations and the volatile geopolitical climate, such drills are crucial for:
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Testing Infrastructure Resilience: Assessing the robustness of power grids and emergency services during outages.
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Enhancing Civil-Military Coordination: Ensuring seamless communication between civilian authorities and the military.
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Boosting Public Confidence: Demonstrating proactive measures to safeguard citizens, thereby enhancing public trust.
Conclusion
The blackout drills in Amritsar and surrounding districts underscore the importance of preparedness in the face of potential threats. While they may cause temporary inconvenience, such measures are vital for ensuring the safety and security of citizens. As geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve, proactive initiatives like 'Operation Abhyaas' play a pivotal role in fortifying the nation's resilience.
