15-min blackout from 8 pm in NDMC areas

The drills have been mandated by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The aim of these drills is to evaluate the coordination and readiness of local authorities and emergency services in crisis scenarios such as terror attacks or wartime emergencies. Authorities said that the blackout is a precautionary measure and have urged the public to not panic.

Essential services such as hospitals and clinics were informed in advance, to ensure that uninterrupted power supply can be arranged for through back-up systems. Officials have also advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel during this time.

Since Wednesday morning, over 55 mock drills have been conducted across Delhi, with five sites selected in each of the city’s 11 districts. These included simulations involving evacuation, emergency medical response, and fire safety drills.

Earlier in the day, a mock drill was conducted in Delhi’s diplomatic areas that come under the NDMC.

NDMC vice-chairperson Kuljeet Chahal said, “The drill began with the sounding of a distinctive zig-zag patterned air raid siren, prompting all occupants/officials to evacuate Palika Kendra and proceed to basement B-2 of the NDCC building. Following the initial alert, a continuous siren was sounded, signaling the commencement of simulated fire and rescue operations. Fire and rescue teams immediately sprang into action while occupants/officials remained calm and stationed in the designated assembly area until further instructions were issued.”

The exercise concluded with an “all clear” announcement, signaling the successful completion of the drill and a safe return to regular operations.