Why is Rajasthan on High Alert? Leaves of Police and Medical Staff Cancelled; Blackouts in Border Areas

Jaipur, May 9 (NationPress) In response to increasing tensions between India and Pakistan, Rajasthan is currently under a high alert. The state government has terminated the leaves of all officers and employees across various government sectors, including the police, medical professionals, and paramedical staff. All border districts have received guidelines to ensure readiness and public safety amidst the current situation.

In several regions, there have been enforced daily blackouts.

Barmer and Jaisalmer will experience blackouts from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., while Jodhpur will have them from 9:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. The blackout time in Jodhpur was advanced by three hours from the previous schedule of 12:30 a.m. as a precautionary measure. Similar blackout protocols are in place for Pali, Nal (Bikaner), and Mount Abu, the state's only hill station.

Residents are advised to refrain from unnecessary nighttime movement and ensure complete darkness within their homes. If any light cannot be extinguished, it must be covered with fabric to prevent visibility from outside. Increased police patrolling and the local chowkidaari system have been implemented, and the public is urged to cooperate fully with authorities.

Markets in Sri Ganganagar were closed by 7 p.m. on Thursday following a request from the district administration, and a ban on fireworks has been put in place in both Sri Ganganagar and Bikaner. Additionally, the use of drones has been prohibited in Bikaner as a further precaution.

Residents in border villages have been instructed to prepare essential documents like identity cards and ration cards in a bag for quick evacuation if necessary. They should also identify the nearest safe locations, such as schools or panchayat buildings, and remain vigilant. The district administration stressed the need to avoid panic and encouraged individuals to disregard rumors, relying solely on verified information from official announcements via loudspeakers, WhatsApp groups, panchayat messages, and radio.

Any suspicious behavior or spreading of rumors must be reported to the police without delay. On the healthcare front, the Medical and Health Department has implemented crucial measures. The leaves of all doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff have been abruptly cancelled, and they are prohibited from leaving their posts without proper authorization.

Gayatri Rathore, Principal Secretary of the Medical and Health Department, confirmed that all necessary preparations for emergencies have been made. Officers are assigned roles in the state-level control room, and Chief Medical and Health Officers in 12 border districts, including Hanumangarh, Ganganagar, Bikaner, Churu, Jaisalmer, Jalore, Sirohi, Pali, Barmer, Balotra, Jodhpur, and Phalodi, are tasked with ensuring readiness at medical facilities. The police department has also escalated its vigilance. In light of a recent attack in Pahalgam, the Police Headquarters has extended the leave ban for all police personnel.

Leaves will only be granted in exceptional circumstances, with prior approval from the Superintendent of Police or Commandant. ADG Law and Order, Vishal Bansal, has enforced this ban, which will remain in effect until further notice.

Academic institutions have also faced disruptions. Jai Narain Vyas University (JNVU) in Jodhpur has postponed all examinations starting May 9 until further notice, as announced by Prof. G.S. Shekhawat, Controller of Examinations. Similarly, Maulana Azad University has suspended all exams from May 8 following district administration directives. All academic activities in these establishments will also remain halted for the time being.

On Thursday, the District Collectors of Barmer and Jodhpur jointly released comprehensive public safety guidelines outlining necessary actions for citizens during a crisis or possible attack. These guidelines are designed to aid in safety, support defense operations, and maintain order in affected areas.

Gaurav Agrawal, Jodhpur Collector, emphasized the importance of adhering to blackout guidelines. "If the first siren sounds, it indicates impending danger. The second siren means that the threat has passed. If a siren is heard at night, it signifies danger and the need for blackout, requiring complete darkness. All lights inside and outside, including vehicle lights, should be turned off. Do not leave your homes during the blackout," he advised. Barmer Collector Tina Dabi echoed these sentiments, urging strict compliance with blackout measures.