In a sudden turn of events, air raid sirens sounded throughout Chandigarh early on Friday morning, after an abrupt advisory from the Air Force Station alerted residents of a possible aerial attack. Citizens were advised to remain indoors, away from balconies and rooftops, as part of emergency civil defence measures.
The sirens followed hours after a sudden emergency blackout on Thursday evening. Power was switched off in the entire city at around 9.30 pm. Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Chandigarh released a notice to RWAS and market associations asking citizens to act promptly to sirens by switching off all lights and remaining indoors. “Do not venture outside or onto rooftops,” the notice clarified.
#WATCH | Air siren sounded in Chandigarh as part of a precautionary measure to remind citizens to remain alert pic.twitter.com/IOl2RRqW0G
— ANI (@ANI) May 9, 2025
Mixed Public Response to Blackout
While most residents complied with the blackout order, many streetlights and solar-powered systems remained illuminated well after the sirens stopped. Vehicles were seen on the roads with headlights on, ignoring the official advisory. Despite this, the administration maintained that civil cooperation was largely successful and crucial for public safety.
Civil Defence Systems Strengthened
Earlier on Thursday, the administration of the Union Territory had stepped up its civil defence preparedness in preparation for possible emergencies. “Satellite phones will be used in case of communication breakdowns. Civil Defence Control Room is being strengthened, and uniforms will be issued to personnel,” added a UT spokesperson. Further, air raid warning systems will be boosted from 20 to 50 to increase public preparedness.
Power supply was resumed a little after midnight, but authorities urged citizens to voluntarily adhere to blackout standards in the next few days.
Neighbouring Regions Follow Suit
Mohali also imposed a two-hour blackout from 9.30 pm on Thursday. “This is a precautionary measure for public safety,” DC Komal Mittal said, affirming intelligence inputs had suggested potential threats from the other side. Panchkula, however, saw people in a state of confusion because there was no effective siren system. Most residents initially did not comply, but slowly responded as word spread through social media and community networks.
As tensions brew between India and Pakistan, the government has made one thing certain: preparation, cooperation, and calm are essential.
