Punjab: Amid night restrictions in Tricity, UT calls for civil defence volunteers

Mohali District Magistrate Komal Mittal also on Friday imposed night restrictions with the closure of cinema halls and shopping malls in the district from 8 pm to 6 am with immediate effect.

Panchkula Deputy Commissioner Monika Gupta also appealed to market associations to switch off display board lights and ensure no external or internal lights remain on in commercial establishments on Friday night.

Shopkeepers have been requested to observe a voluntary blackout and close markets by 7 pm Friday. CCTV cameras, if present, should be turned off to enhance the effectiveness of the blackout, Gupta said, adding that lights in common parking areas should also be turned off.

Gupta also directed that no lights should remain on at night in government headquarters and offices. Relevant department heads must ensure compliance, she said.

Shopkeepers have been requested to observe a voluntary blackout and close markets by 7 pm Friday (Express Photo)

To ensure the timely dissemination of any alerts, monitoring teams have been formed for different areas. These teams will use sirens and loudspeakers to notify people in the event of a sudden alert, the official said.

Ban on firecrackers

Authorities in Chandigarh and Mohali have also imposed a ban on the bursting of firecrackers.

Invoking Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, the Chandigarh DM order prohibited the use of firecrackers during weddings, festivals, and other celebrations due to the potential threat of misuse by anti-social elements and the panic such noise could cause among the public.

“The ban will be in effect from May 9 to July 7, 2025. Violations will invite legal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The order has been issued in public interest and will be widely publicised through official and media channels,” read the order.

A complete ban has also been imposed in Mohali on the use of firecrackers, high-beam laser lights, and DJ systems during the evening hours, to facilitate blackout operations whenever necessary without any hindrance from outdoor lighting. Furthermore, the administration has prohibited the use of inverters, generators, and any other backup power sources used for billboards, outdoor lighting, and street lights. Even solar-powered lights are banned during blackout periods in the district until further notice.

Ambala District Magistrate Ajay Singh Tomer also banned the use of inverters or generators for outdoor lighting. However, these “may be used for indoor use on condition that all doors and windows are fully covered by thick curtains so as to ensure no lights come out,” the order said.

The Panchkula administration has imposed a complete ban on the use of firecrackers and loudspeakers during public or private functions, including weddings and celebrations.

“Any such use must be backed by prior official permission. These restrictions have been imposed with immediate effect and will remain in force until further notice. Violations will be dealt with strictly under Section 223 of the Indian Penal Code, 2023,” stated an official of the Panchkula administration.

The police in Panchkula have mobilised all four companies comprising over 400 personnel. Emergency Response Vehicles, PCRs, and rider teams are fully deployed, and police checkpoints are operating at maximum alert levels, officials said. A blanket ban has been imposed on drone operations within the district.

Blackouts

The Tricity region witnessed blackouts from the evening on Friday, with the traffic lights and street light blinkers also remaining off.

The Panchkula Deputy Commissioner assured residents that the city is completely safe and there is no need for a curfew as she appealed to residents to stay vigilant and cooperate with safety protocols. She also advised residents to avoid panic and trust only official communications from the district administration. Gupta added that only information from the administration’s social media handles or the official civil society WhatsApp groups, which include ward councillors, sarpanches, and other key community leaders, should be trusted.

Earlier, chairing a meeting with officials at the district secretariat, Gupta mentioned that following a sudden blackout alert, a district-wide blackout was observed on Thursday night. She noted that another alert could be issued on Friday as well. As a precautionary measure, she urged all residents to voluntarily observe a blackout on Friday evening and remain indoors. All lights inside homes should be turned off, Gupta said, adding that people should avoid going out unless there was an urgent need.

Meanwhile, Chandigarh DC also said that emergency announcements, including blackout alerts, may be issued on very “short notice — ranging from five to ten minutes”. “Citizens are, therefore, requested to remain alert and act promptly upon receiving such communications,” he added.

Authorities in Haryana’s Ambala on Friday also ordered a complete blackout from 8 pm till 6 am.

Chandigarh Airport closed till May 15

At least 24 airports in northern and western parts of the country, including Srinagar and Chandigarh, have been shut for civilian flights till May 15, sources said on Friday.

Leaves cancelled, exams postponed

The Chandigarh Administration has instructed all employees of its departments, boards, and corporations to remain stationed within city limits until further notice.

According to an official statement issued on Friday by the Department of Public Relations, all government personnel are required to maintain their respective headquarters or stations in Chandigarh. The administration has strictly prohibited employees from leaving their designated stations.

Additionally, all previously sanctioned leave stands cancelled with immediate effect, unless it is reapproved by the concerned Secretary under exceptional circumstances.

The Chief Engineer of the Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh has also issued a directive mandating the immediate cancellation of all employees leave and the implementation of a round-the-clock, seven-day work schedule.

The official notice emphasises the need for uninterrupted municipal operations and states that all previously sanctioned leave stands cancelled with immediate effect. No new leave applications will be entertained until further notice, the order stated.

According to the communication, this measure has been taken to ensure the continuity of essential civic services during this critical period. All municipal employees are required to adhere strictly to the revised schedule.

Meanwhile, the Panjab University (PU) has decided to postpone the PU-CET (U.G.) entrance test 2025, which is scheduled for May 11. A new date will be updated later.

Keeping in view the situation prevailing in Punjab, the offices, institutions/regional centre/rural centre/constituent colleges of PU will remain closed from May 9 to May 11. However, administrative offices and teaching departments/institutions/centres on PU campuses in Chandigarh and the affiliated colleges situated here will function as usual.

Strawberry Fields High School, Sector 26, Chandigarh, in compliance with the directive from the Chandigarh Administration, cancelled the Class XII International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (IB DP) English Paper 2 examination on Thursday, due to the lack of a safer alternative venue.

The National Lok Adalat, which was scheduled to be held in Chandigarh on Saturday, has also been postponed.

(With inputs from Parul, Jasbir Malhi, and PTI)