Ludhiana Prepares for Coordinated Emergency Blackout Drill at PAU and Aggar Nagar
A significant emergency preparedness exercise is scheduled for Friday evening in Ludhiana, with a planned blackout drill set to take place at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and across areas under the Aggar Nagar division of the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL). The drill will run from 8:00 pm to 8:15 pm, simulating a real-time crisis scenario to test response capabilities.
Official Instructions and Public Cooperation
During a stakeholder meeting, Assistant Commissioner Payal Goyal emphasized the importance of public compliance. Residents are urged to switch off all types of lights during the exercise to ensure a complete blackout. Furthermore, authorities have requested that individuals refrain from using generators, power backup systems, torches, candles, or matchsticks to maintain the integrity of the drill.
Alert System and Power Supply Cutoff
To alert citizens, a siren will be sounded at 7:55 pm, accompanied by public announcements from religious places. Immediately following the siren, PSPCL will cut off the power supply to facilitate the blackout. This coordinated effort aims to mimic an actual emergency situation, allowing agencies to practice their response protocols effectively.
Multi-Agency Involvement and Objectives
The drill will commence at PAU with an alarm and involve a wide range of agencies working in tandem. Participants include the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), fire brigade, district administration, Municipal Corporation (MC), police, health department, civil defence, and the National Cadet Corps (NCC). This extensive collaboration highlights the drill's goal of enhancing preparedness for unforeseen emergencies through realistic simulation.
Assistant Commissioner Goyal reiterated that the exercise is a precautionary measure designed to bolster community readiness. By practicing such scenarios, authorities aim to identify potential gaps in emergency response and improve coordination among various departments, ultimately ensuring public safety in Ludhiana.
