Why Did Jaipur Experience a 15-Minute Blackout?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Jaipur experienced a 15-minute blackout as a part of civil defence drills.
- Public spaces and key areas were affected during the drill.
- Emergency procedures were effectively executed by Civil Defence teams.
- Community participation demonstrated patriotism and support for national security.
- The exercise was part of a broader strategy to ensure state readiness.
Jaipur, May 7 (NationPress) In light of increased security measures following India's air strikes on Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Jaipur experienced a 15-minute blackout on Wednesday, as part of extensive civil defence drills being conducted nationwide.
The blackout occurred from 8:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.
Darkness enveloped key areas, including Chhoti and Badi Chaupad, Malviya Nagar, and Mansarovar.
Major public venues, such as Jaipur Junction railway station and bus terminals, were left in the dark, with only emergency lighting operational.
This blackout was a component of a citywide preparedness exercise executed at over 20 locations.
Earlier that day, the mock drill commenced at 4 p.m., marked by air-raid sirens echoing throughout the city.
At the BSNL office on MI Road, Civil Defence teams conducted a comprehensive evacuation and rescue simulation, lasting around 25 minutes.
Senior officials, including Jaipur Collector Jitendra Soni and Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph, monitored the drill alongside Civil Defence personnel.
Injured participants during the simulation were swiftly transported to SMS Hospital via a specially designated green corridor. Railway station authorities confirmed their full cooperation during the blackout.
"The drill was executed under headquarters' directives. GRP and RPF were deployed throughout the area to ensure effective management of the situation," an official stated.
Jaipur residents reportedly showed strong support for the drill, chanting patriotic slogans like “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” and demonstrating solidarity with the Indian Army.
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, who returned from Gujarat amid ongoing developments, went straight to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) from the airport to review the drill preparations.
Earlier, in Gujarat, CM Sharma was participating in a BJP-led good governance training camp for Rajasthan MPs and MLAs.
Various emergency measures are being implemented as part of a broader state-level response to the regional security situation, aimed at ensuring readiness for any eventuality along the border.
Earlier on Wednesday, during pre-dawn strikes, Indian Armed Forces targeted sites in Bahawalpur, Sialkot, Kotli, Muzaffarabad, and Barnala, where multiple significant terrorist camps were operating.
These camps were notorious for training terrorists involved in prior attacks on Indian soil, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the 2023 Poonch pilgrimage attack.