Punjab Blackout Mock Drill: Siren will sound at 8 p.m. on 27 November, and non‑essential lights must be switched off.

Punjab Blackout Mock Drill: A civil defence air‑red and blackout mock exercise will be conducted again in Punjab. According to the guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Government of India, the Punjab government will carry out this mock drill in all districts of the state on 27 November at 8 p.m. The purpose is to assess civil defence preparedness during any potential emergency situation and to strengthen necessary arrangements.

During this time, the general public will also be informed about the mock drill procedure. In particular, after the siren sounds in the designated areas, instructions will be given to keep non‑essential lights turned off. The administration will appeal to people not to panic and to treat the mock exercise as a normal procedure.

When and how will the Punjab Blackout Mock Drill take place?

The Punjab Blackout Mock Drill will begin with an air‑red warning signal. Under this, a high‑low pitch siren will be sounded for about two minutes. The siren will signal to people that the mock drill is starting.

After the siren sounds, the blackout procedure will be implemented in the relevant areas. This action will be carried out in the designated zones under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner‑Control, civil defence. Officials from the administration and civil defence will monitor the arrangements during this time.

What should be done as soon as the siren sounds?

During the blackout mock exercise, residents of the designated zones will be asked to turn off all non‑essential lights. The aim is to test the effectiveness of the blackout arrangement in an air‑red or other emergency situation.

People will be advised not to leave their homes unnecessarily after hearing the siren and to follow the instructions issued by the administration. However, essential services will continue during the mock drill so that hospitals, emergency services and other critical arrangements are not affected.

Essential services will remain operational during the blackout

During the mock drill, “blackout” does not mean shutting down all electricity services across Punjab. The process will be carried out only in the specified areas and according to the prescribed arrangements. Provisions will be made to keep essential services running normally.

Therefore, instead of paying attention to rumors or confusion, people should follow the official information and instructions issued by the administration.

The mock drill will end with an “All Clear” siren

After the blackout mock exercise is completed, a loud siren will be sounded by the administration for two minutes. This siren will indicate “All Clear”.

Once the “All Clear” signal is received, the mock drill will be considered concluded and normal activities can resume in the designated areas.

Why is this mock exercise being conducted?

The main objective of the Punjab Blackout Mock Drill is to test the preparedness of the administration, police, civil defence and other relevant departments in a potential emergency situation. Through such an exercise, it is observed how quickly the concerned departments respond after a warning is issued.