In light of growing concerns about escalating tensions with Pakistan, the Tricity—comprising Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula—conducted a series of mock drills, air raid sirens, and blackout rehearsals on Wednesday to test its emergency preparedness. The nationwide civil defense exercise aimed to bolster the readiness of the region in case of any unforeseen situations.
A near-complete blackout was observed between 7:30 pm and 7:40 pm across the three cities after air raid warning sirens went off. Most residents and establishments complied with the directive to turn off lights, while many motorists parked their vehicles on roadsides and switched off headlights. However, reports emerged from several areas, including Sector 61, Sector 34, and Sector 16, where residents noted that the sirens were not loud enough to alert everyone, and some places—such as Chandigarh Housing Board flats in Sector 51, parts of Ramdarbar, and Modern Housing Complex—failed to adhere to the blackout instructions. Additionally, certain shops and showrooms continued their operations as usual, despite the directive.
In Sector 40, Chandigarh, Ajit Singh, a local shopkeeper, recounted how quickly he responded to the siren, switching off the lights without hesitation. However, not all residents in the area shared this sentiment, as some did not comply fully with the blackout request.
Earlier in the day, a mock drill in Panchkula’s Sector 20, supervised by the Panchkula MC chief, Aparajita, faced delays due to slow response from local police. The sirens were activated for approximately 15 minutes, audible up to three kilometers, but the police from the nearby Sector 20 police station arrived nearly half an hour late. The delay prompted the MC chief to report the issue to Deputy Commissioner Monika Gupta.
Further emergency drills were conducted across the Tricity, including at the district secretariat in Sector 1, where DC Monika Gupta, DCP Himadree Kaushik, and other officials oversaw the evacuation of the building. Fire brigade personnel used ladders and ropes to rescue simulated casualties from the first floor, with some injured people being carried on the shoulders of rescuers. However, during this exercise, an ambulance was delayed due to traffic congestion, causing additional challenges in the simulated emergency situation.
Mock drills also took place at several public locations, including Bestech Mall in Mohali, ISBT-17 in Chandigarh, and various industrial areas. These drills simulated various emergency scenarios, including building collapses, fires, and air strikes, with responders practicing evacuations and rescue operations.
In addition to these drills, over 20 schools in Chandigarh participated in emergency exercises, ensuring that students and staff were prepared for any situation that may arise. Schools like Government Model Senior Secondary School (GMSSS) Khuda Ali Sher and GMSSS Behlana, among others, joined the efforts to raise awareness and educate students on how to react during emergencies.
Mohali Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal emphasized the importance of these exercises to raise public awareness and prepare for emergencies. She urged the residents of Mohali to remain calm and cooperative in the event of a crisis.
Meanwhile, the UT health department took proactive steps, with instructions issued to all medical officers and staff to be on standby for emergency duty 24/7. The directive also mentioned that the leaves of medical officers posted at hospitals and healthcare facilities such as Government Multi-Specialty Hospital in Sector 16 have been canceled. Medical officers are required to be available on phone and report for duty immediately when called.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Deepak Pareek reassured the public that the district police are fully equipped to handle any emergency situation, underscoring the region’s preparedness and commitment to ensuring safety in the face of potential threats.
With heightened security measures and drills in place, the Tricity authorities continue to bolster their defenses and response protocols as the region remains vigilant in the wake of geopolitical tensions.
Sources By Agencies