Amritsar – On the evening of May 7, 2025, Amritsar witnessed a significant civil defence mock drill ordered by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) as part of nationwide emergency preparedness exercises amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions. The drill at Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, included a momentary blackout starting at 10:30 pm, during which all lights were switched off to simulate blackout conditions in the event of an air raid or other emergency.
Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sahni explained that the mock drill was conducted in two phases: an initial siren and simulation exercise at 4 pm, followed by the blackout and second siren at 10:30 pm. Residents were urged to turn off their lights and avoid using inverters or generators to ensure complete darkness. The blackout lasted approximately 30 minutes, after which power was restored at the Golden Temple and across the city. Authorities also warned against spreading fake news and black marketing during the drill period.
This exercise was part of a larger nationwide operation involving sirens, evacuation rehearsals, and blackout simulations in multiple cities, designed to test and enhance civil defence readiness in the face of potential threats. The smooth conduct of the drill in Amritsar, including the blackout at the Golden Temple, demonstrated the city’s preparedness and the public’s cooperation with the emergency protocols
