The Chandigarh Administration has issued special instructions for residents of Chandigarh.
Chandigarh, India, May 10, 2025 — Today, a special media briefing was conducted by Mr. Nishant Kumar Yadav, Deputy Commissioner of UT Chandigarh, alongside Ms. Kanwardeep Kaur, Senior Superintendent of Police in UT Chandigarh. This briefing aimed to update the public on the current situation in the Union Territory and discuss the current preparedness measures being implemented.
The Deputy Commissioner thanked residents for cooperating during the voluntary blackout observed after 7:00 PM yesterday in Chandigarh.
He stated that there is currently no immediate threat or air raid warning. However, based on recent trends, alerts are typically issued during late evening hours. Therefore, residents are encouraged to stay indoors after 9:00 PM voluntarily. Additionally, all commercial establishments, including shops, malls, clubs, hotels, and restaurants, are urged to close by 9:00 PM voluntarily.
Essential services, including petrol pumps and chemist shops, can operate normally. The public is urged to remain calm. The Administration will enforce strict measures against anyone caught hoarding or taking advantage of the situation for profit on essential goods.
The Deputy Commissioner announced that around 3,000 individuals were registered as civil defense volunteers at Tagore Theatre and Tiranga Urban Park. Training will begin in batches soon, allowing for the deployment of volunteers in different areas. The civil defense initiative is expected to be strengthened further in the coming days.
- New Warning Sirens: The Chandigarh Administration has ordered new Warning Sirens, which are expected to be installed within 24 hours.
Earlier, Mr. Nishant Kumar Yadav, the Deputy Commissioner of UT Chandigarh, and Ms. Kanwardeep Kaur, the Senior Superintendent of Police of UT Chandigarh, held a public media briefing. They provided an update on the current situation and the preparedness measures implemented across the Union Territory.
The Deputy Commissioner sincerely appreciated Chandigarh’s residents’ outstanding cooperation over the past two days. The citywide blackout experienced the previous evening and the mock drill conducted earlier were both carried out successfully. The Administration extends particular thanks to the Residents Welfare Associations (RWAs) and Market Welfare Associations (MWAs) for their efforts in mobilizing community participation, sharing verified information, and effectively countering the spread of misinformation.
- Guidelines Regarding Emergency Sirens:
The public is advised to familiarize themselves with the following emergency siren signals:
- Red Alert Siren: A fluctuating, high-low pitched tone lasting approximately five minutes, signifying an imminent air attack or emergency.
- All Clear Siren: A single, continuous tone indicating the cessation of threat and return to normalcy.
Sirens can be activated anytime, day or night, depending on the situation. The Administration is increasing the volume of existing sirens and installing additional units to ensure complete citywide coverage.
- Observations from the Blackout Drill:
The Administration observed several issues during the recent blackout exercise that require immediate attention from the residents.
– Solar Lighting: All solar-powered lights must be manually turned off during blackout periods. Residents’ Welfare Associations (RWAs) and Market Welfare Associations (MWAs) are encouraged to take on the responsibility of ensuring compliance.
– CCTV Surveillance Systems: Some night-vision cameras emit light while operating. Property owners are advised to turn off this feature during blackout hours.
– Commercial Illuminations: All commercial lighting must be switched off during blackout periods, including illuminated signs, shop hoardings, and display lights. MWAs are requested to oversee and facilitate compliance within their respective areas.
- Emergency Accommodation and Public Welfare Measures
As part of the public safety contingency plan, several hotels and dharamshalas have been designated as emergency rescue and shelter centers, should the need arise.
- Public Advisory:
Residents are strongly encouraged to use only official communication channels for accurate and timely information.
Please be aware that emergency announcements, including blackout alerts, may be issued with little notice—typically between 5 and 10 minutes. Therefore, citizens are urged to stay vigilant and respond quickly upon receiving such notifications.
For any emergency assistance or clarification, please call the helpline at 112.
Source: Chandigarh Administration
CitiTimes 