Tricity Blackout Amid Air Raid Alert: Residents Ordered Indoors

CHANDIGARH/MOHALI/PANCHKULA — In response to a possible aerial threat, air raid sirens were sounded across the Tricity region on Thursday night prompting an emergency blackout and heightening civilian alertness. Authorities in Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula directed residents to switch off all lights and remain indoors following an alert from the Indian Air Force indicating a potential air attack.

The blackout was enforced at around 9:30 PM with district administrations issuing urgent advisories to residential societies, market associations and public institutions. In a public message, the Chandigarh Deputy Commissioner stated: “Keeping in view the ongoing emergency situation, all residents are requested to immediately respond to the sound of the siren and switch off all lights. Do not venture outside or onto rooftops.”

While most households complied swiftly streetlights and solar-powered lights in some sectors took longer to shut down. Vehicles continued to move on roads with headlights on, even as sirens echoed across parts of the city.

In Mohali, a coordinated two-hour blackout was imposed. The Deputy Commissioner emphasized that the measure was precautionary and urged citizens to minimize movement and keep away from balconies, rooftops and glass windows. “This is for your safety. Please cooperate fully with local authorities,” the DC appealed.

Panchkula experienced a brief spell of confusion during the initial minutes of the blackout. Many residents were caught unaware due to a lack of a functional siren system causing a delayed response in switching off lights. However, compliance increased as information spread through local networks and mobile alerts. Chandigarh Administration also initiated steps to boost its civil defence infrastructure. “The number of air raid warning systems will be increased from 20 to 50. Satellite phones will be used in case of communication breakdown. Control rooms are being strengthened, and civil defence personnel will be issued uniforms,” stated a UT official.

Although grid power was restored in Chandigarh shortly after midnight, the DC requested that citizens voluntarily continue the blackout throughout the night. Alerts remain active in several sectors especially those near the border areas in Mohali, where residents have been asked to stay away from windows and glass structures.

Authorities have reiterated that these are precautionary steps in view of the elevated security environment and full public cooperation is essential to ensure safety.