What is a Wartime Blackout? Know All the Important Rules Related To It
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): On the instructions of the Union Home Ministry, to strengthen security preparedness in the country and to deal with any emergency situation, especially air strikes, a comprehensive civil security rehearsal (mock drill) was organized today (Wednesday, May 7) in 259 districts of 35 states and union territories. An important part of this drill was the practice of 'blackout' i.e. complete power shutdown.
According to a notification issued by the Home Ministry, various preparations were tested in this rehearsal to face a situation like war or attack. This included the practice of sounding the air raid warning siren. Apart from this, civil defense training was also given to citizens and students on how to protect themselves in case of an attack. What is a wartime blackout? Know all the important rules related to it
During the rehearsal, the process of complete blackout in the area and the necessary measures to be taken to avoid any potential danger were demonstrated and practiced. Also, the planning and implementation of preparations to protect critical plants and installations and evacuation of people to safe places were practiced.
What is a wartime blackout?
According to experts, the risk of air attacks increases during war. Enemy planes often target the lights on the ground. City lights, headlights of vehicles and lights of houses help the enemy in determining targets. In such a situation, blackout is resorted to to avoid enemy attacks. Its main purpose is to prevent enemy planes or submarines from detecting and targeting specific places by reducing artificial light.
Purpose of Blackout
The primary purpose of blackout is to make enemy air attacks more difficult. City lights at night serve as a guide for enemy pilots. During the London Blitz of 1940 during World War II, the German Luftwaffe bombed British cities at night. During that time, dimming the city lights made it difficult for the enemy to determine direction and target. Similarly, in coastal areas, blackout helps protect ships from enemy submarines.
It is extremely important to follow the blackout rules during war. Ignoring the rules can endanger the security of the entire area. It is the responsibility of the authorities to run awareness campaigns and explain to the people the need to follow these rules. However, in an emergency, the government can also enforce the rules strictly, because even a single mistake during wartime can prove fatal for the concerned area. Today's nationwide exercise is an important step towards testing these preparations.
