On May 7, 2025, a nationwide blackout drill is set to take place across several Indian states and union territories, aimed at testing the country’s emergency preparedness in light of recent tensions with Pakistan. The exercise includes timed blackouts lasting between 10 to 30 minutes, designed to simulate emergency scenarios and evaluate public readiness for power outages.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed this extensive civil defense mock drill, which will involve cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, Mohali, Chandigarh, Ferozepur, and Amritsar. Residents are advised to remain calm, follow official instructions, and treat the exercise as a precautionary rehearsal.
In the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) area, a 15-minute blackout is scheduled from 8:00 PM to 8:15 PM. This area encompasses key landmarks including Rashtrapati Bhavan and Parliament House. Critical services like hospitals and emergency response teams will activate their backup power systems to ensure uninterrupted operations during the drill.
As tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated following the Pahalgam terrorist attack and India’s military response under Operation Sindoor, officials have emphasized the importance of this drill. The operation, which targeted nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, underscores the heightened security landscape that has prompted the MHA to conduct these nationwide mock drills.
In Maharashtra, a blackout is reported at BARC Colony in Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, starting from 8:00 PM onwards. In Uttar Pradesh, a mock blackout drill will begin at 7:00 PM in the Police Lines area of Lucknow, while in Punjab, a 10-minute blackout is planned from 7:30 PM to 7:40 PM in Mohali, and a complete blackout rehearsal will occur in Ferozepur from 9:00 PM to 9:30 PM.
Chandigarh will experience a city-wide voluntary blackout for 10 minutes starting at 7:30 PM, with medical facilities exempt but required to cover windows with thick curtains. In Amritsar, a full city blackout is scheduled from 10:00 PM to 10:30 PM, which will include evacuation drills at high-rise buildings.
Authorities have urged the public to prepare for the drill by keeping emergency kits, flashlights, and ID cards ready. Residents are also advised not to use elevators between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM and to avoid unnecessary travel during the blackout.
The NDMC area is particularly significant, covering approximately 42.7 square kilometers and known for its administrative importance and well-planned infrastructure. This drill is not only about testing technical systems but also about enhancing the coordination and alertness of emergency responders and the general public.
Officials have expressed the need for public cooperation during the exercise, as it aims to strengthen the city's overall disaster response framework. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) oversees the drill and has highlighted its role in building disaster resilience amid ongoing border tensions.
In summary, the nationwide blackout drill on May 7 serves as a vital exercise to assess India’s readiness for sudden power outages and other crisis scenarios. With the backdrop of heightened security concerns, this initiative is a crucial step in ensuring that both the public and emergency services are well-prepared to face potential challenges.
