Punjab to conduct statewide civil defence air raid and blackout mock drill on April 24

In order to test civil defence preparedness in the state, Punjab will conduct a Civil Defence Air Raid/Blackout Mock Exercise on April 24, 2026, at 2000 hrs (8 PM).

The exercise will be conducted across all districts of the state as per the directives of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi.

Advertisement

The mock exercise will commence with an air raid warning signal, which will be disseminated through sirens featuring a high-low pitch for a duration of two minutes. During the exercise, a simulated blackout will be enforced in specific areas identified by the respective Deputy Commissioners-cum-Controllers, Civil Defence.

The general public in these identified areas is advised to switch off all non-essential lighting during the blackout period. However, essential services will remain fully functional throughout the drill.

The exercise will conclude with an “All Clear” signal, characterised by a continuous high-pitch siren for two minutes, marking the formal end of the drill.

During the mock exercise, various critical emergency functions will be simulated to test field coordination, including fire response operations, search and rescue operations, first aid and medical assistance, evacuation of injured persons, as well as traffic and crowd control measures.

The state government has appealed to the public not to panic, emphasising that this is a routine drill conducted solely to evaluate and enhance civil defence preparedness in the state.