The Directorate of Civil Defence carried out a test of an air raid siren placed atop the multi-storey PWD building located at ITO in Delhi on Friday. The siren test began at 3:00 pm and lasted for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Officials explained that this was a routine test and advised people not to panic during the exercise. The timing of the test is significant, as it comes during a period of heightened tension between India and Pakistan.
Siren Installation in High-Rises Across Delhi
Delhi’s PWD Minister Parvesh Verma said that the city has started setting up these sirens on tall buildings as a safety measure. He explained, “The work of installing sirens in Delhi has started. Sirens will be installed on all the high-rise buildings in Delhi. Its range is 8 kilometres. Starting tonight, 40-50 more sirens will be installed in high-rise buildings in Delhi. We will run it in case of any emergency. We can run it from a single command centre…” This move is part of the government’s emergency preparedness plan, especially in the wake of increasing hostilities along the India-Pakistan border.
#WATCH | Delhi: Testing of air raid sirens installed at PWD (Public Works Department) headquarters in ITO was conducted; Delhi PWD Minister Parvesh Verma was also present at the spot pic.twitter.com/bWzhnZuSVI
— ANI (@ANI) May 9, 2025
Tensions Escalate After Pahalgam Terror Attack
The siren test follows the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, where 26 people lost their lives. Most of the victims were tourists. Since then, both countries have reported missile strikes and cross-border shelling, intensifying the situation further.
Security Stepped Up Across Delhi
In response to the growing threat, authorities in Delhi have increased security at key locations. Additional police and paramilitary personnel were deployed at important government buildings, crowded public spaces, and vital services like water and sewage treatment plants.
A senior police official shared that security arrangements have been strengthened at places such as government offices, courts, and foreign embassies. Vigilance has also increased at markets, railway stations, Metro stops, malls, and parks.
Police on High Alert
Due to the tense situation, the Delhi Police cancelled all staff leave starting Thursday night. An officer said, “Night vigil has been intensified. We will deploy extra force in every sensitive area.”
To ensure better coordination, special commissioners of each police zone are meeting with their deputy commissioners to evaluate the current security plans. A police source confirmed, “All the DCPS are keeping a close watch on law and order in their jurisdiction. Delhi Police is prepared to tackle any situation.”
