Blackout only when siren sounded, says Panchkula admn
Prohibitory orders withdrawn in Chandigarh & Mohali, too
3 min read
Punjab reimposed blackout measures in several districts as a precautionary measure after withdrawing it earlier on Saturday. (Express Photo by Jasbir Malhi)PANCHKULA DEPUTY Commissioner Monika Gupta Saturday has assured residents that Panchkula district is secure and there is no need to panic, but advised residents to initiate a blackout by switching off all lights and staying away from windows when sirens sound at night.
The DC said that in the event of a red alert, sirens would be sounded. “Upon hearing the siren, residents should immediately move indoors, either to their homes or the nearest building, and avoid rooftops, balconies, or open spaces. If driving, citizens should pull over safely and take shelter in the nearest building,” she said.
Speaking with the media after a review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini with all Deputy Commissioners, SPs and senior officials virtually, the DC said all official alerts, including those from the Ministry of Home Affairs, would be promptly communicated to the public.
“Meanwhile, markets across the district will remain open as usual. Instructions related to blackout will only be implemented upon sounding of sirens,” the DC said, reiterating that the district is safe and no untoward incident has occurred.
Meanwhile, in light of the current situation, the administration is launching volunteer training for youths under the civil defence.
Training sessions will be held at Tau Devi Lal Stadium from 9 am to 12 noon and at ITI Bitna, Kalka from 2 pm to 5 pm. Interested individuals are encouraged to participate. Ex-servicemen will also be roped in to assist during emergencies.
Earlier Saturday evening, as both India and Pakistan announced a ceasefire, the Chandigarh Administration withdrew the appeal for voluntary closure of shops and other establishments.
In the afternoon, Chandigarh Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav stated that “as of now, there is no immediate threat or air raid warning”, and urged the residents to voluntarily remain indoors after 9 pm. The DC had also appealed to all commercial establishments, including shops, malls, clubs, hotels, and restaurants, to close by 9 pm voluntarily.
However, after the ceasefire announcement, a notice by the DC reads, “In light of the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, the earlier request for the voluntary closure of shops and other establishments is hereby withdrawn. All shops and establishments are now permitted to operate as usual.”
In Mohali, Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal withdrew all previously issued prohibitory orders. The district administration confirmed the decision, stating that the restrictions imposed as a precaution have been lifted due to the improved situation along the border.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Mohali DC expressed her gratitude to the public for their support and cooperation during the tense period. “We sincerely thank the residents of Mohali district for their understanding and cooperation. Your support played a vital role in maintaining peace and law and order,” she said.
The administration has appealed to the public to stay informed only through official sources and to promptly report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
However, Punjab reimposed blackout measures in several districts as a precautionary measure after withdrawing it earlier on Saturday.
Blackout measures have been imposed in Hoshiarpur, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Pathankot, Patiala, Moga and Muktsar districts.
The development comes about two hours after district authorities in Punjab withdrew blackout measures and restrictive orders after India and Pakistan agreed to an immediate ceasefire.
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