Blackout: This exercise is considered to be a preparation for war amidst Indo-Pak tension..
NEW DELHI : In view of the increasing tension on the Indo-Pak border and the possibility of a possible war, the Home Ministry has issued an alert across the country. In this sequence, the public has been cautioned by issuing a security advisory. In the advisory, people have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, exchange of gifts and crowded places.
The central government has become alert after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April. In the instructions issued by the Home Ministry to the states, mock drill i.e. preparation to deal with a war-like situation has been cited in 244 “civil defense districts” of the country on 7 May. In these exercises, exercises like air raid siren, blackout i.e. making it dark, training people to stay safe and hiding essential services were conducted.
After the instructions of the Center, preparations in this regard have intensified in the states. Although the Centre’s directive to state chief secretaries does not mention tensions with Pakistan, the timing of the order amid heightened tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack leaves no room for interpretation. The last time such an exercise was conducted was before the 1971 war between India and Pakistan, which resulted in Pakistan’s defeat and the creation of Bangladesh.
What is a blackout and why is it necessary in war?
A blackout is a strategic step adopted in war or war-like situations. Especially cities near the border or important installations such as powerhouses, dams, government or defence-related buildings are completely darkened at night. During this time, the power supply of the entire city is cut off, even generator or inverter lights are asked to be switched off. Its purpose is to prevent enemy aircraft from finding a target, so that citizens can be protected.
Who will be part of the exercise
The aim of this exercise is to assess and enhance the preparedness of the civil defence mechanism in all states and union territories.” According to the notification, the exercise should see “active participation of District Controller, various district authorities, civil defence wardens/volunteers, Home Guards (active/reserve volunteers), NCC, NSS, NYKS, college and school students”. The notification also mentions that civilians should be trained to respond to “hostile attack”.
When did blackouts occur in India?
India did not directly take part in the Second World War, but in 1942, when Japan occupied Burma (now Myanmar) and dropped bombs on Dalhousie near Darjeeling, blackouts began in cities like Kolkata. After this, in the Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971, many cities also had blackouts overnight. Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Delhi, Assam and West Bengal were also darkened at night to prevent the enemy from entering the city.
The Home Ministry notification states nine objectives of this security exercise. The first objective is to assess the effectiveness of the air raid warning system and aims to prepare people for air raid response. Hotlines and radio communication lines with the Air Force will also be operational during this exercise. It will also test the functionality of control rooms and shadow control rooms.
The notification states that citizens and students should be trained in civil defence to protect themselves “in the event of a hostile attack”. The training will also include camouflaging important plants and installations. This means that steps will be taken to cover or shield key premises – such as airfields, refineries and rail yards – from enemy firing. The exercise will also check the preparedness and evacuation measures of rescue teams and firefighters. The evacuation exercise will be a rehearsal for moving citizens from sensitive areas to safer areas. Citizens will also be trained in first aid, firefighting and shelter techniques.
This exercise is a preparation for a possible war between India and Pakistan
The Pahalgam terror attack in which 25 tourists and a Kashmiri pony ride operator were brutally killed has shocked the entire country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the perpetrators and conspirators of the attack will get such punishment which they cannot even imagine. Investigation into the Pahalgam attack has revealed that Pakistan has a hand in it too, as has happened in many other terror attacks on Indian soil in the past.
After several diplomatic steps against Islamabad, including suspending the Indus Water Treaty, New Delhi is now preparing for a military response. In the last few days, several meetings have taken place between Prime Minister Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, top ministers and officials of the security establishment. The Prime Minister has met the chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force and the Defense Secretary, leading to speculation that some major step may be taken against Pakistan.
