Rajasthan's border districts have been placed under heightened security measures following India's recent missile strikes on terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. As tensions escalate, schools in these areas are closed until further notice, and civilian flights at Jodhpur, Kishangarh, and Jaisalmer airports have been suspended until May 10, 2025. The decisions come in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam massacre that resulted in 26 fatalities, prompting Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma to review the situation closely.
In a bid to ensure public safety, Barmer and Jodhpur district collectors have issued advisories urging residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies. "We are asking people not to panic or spread rumors while working with local authorities to implement necessary safety measures," said a district official. Additionally, disaster management protocols have been activated, including the stocking of hospitals with life-saving medications and maintaining adequate blood supplies across blood banks.
As part of these emergency measures, a night-time blackout has been instituted in Rajasthan's border districts to safeguard against potential aerial threats. The blackout will be enforced from 9 PM to 4 AM in Barmer and Jaisalmer, and from 12:30 AM to 4 AM in Jodhpur and Balotra. Residents have been instructed to turn off all lights during these hours, with any necessary illumination required to be fully covered to prevent visibility from the air. Barmer district collector Tina Dabi emphasized the importance of compliance, stating, "Red alert, everyone is requested to be in their homes and observe complete blackout."
In addition to the blackouts, flying drones and bursting fireworks have been banned in districts like Bikaner and Sri Ganganagar to further enhance security measures. The government has also suspended all university exams in Jodhpur and has called for the cancellation of leaves for police, doctors, and paramedical staff to bolster the state's security apparatus.
As flights were canceled at Jaipur airport due to airspace restrictions, Jodhpur airport director Manoj Uniyal reported that all passengers were informed about the suspension of inbound and outbound flights. "We had set up a help desk to assist passengers who were unaware of the cancellations and arrived at the airport," Uniyal stated. The airport, which operates nine flights daily, is currently closed to the public, and travelers are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
Farmers living near the international border, particularly those close to Bahawalpur—one of the nine sites in Pakistan that India targeted—have been advised to stay away from the border and Pakistani checkpoints. Security measures have been intensified at railway stations, bus terminals, army installations, and government buildings, with the Railway Protection Force (RPF) stepping up surveillance on passenger trains originating from these districts.
Rajasthan shares a 1,048 km border with Pakistan, making it a critical defense zone in case of escalation. As part of a broader security strategy, mock drills have been conducted across the state to prepare for potential threats. These drills, involving over 13,000 home guards, included simulations of emergency scenarios at critical infrastructure sites such as railway stations, civil hospitals, police stations, and power grids.
During these exercises, traffic was temporarily halted, and air raid sirens were activated to mimic crisis responses. Commuters expressed their concerns about the situation, with one individual, Sonakshi Sachdeva, stating, "This made me understand what war might feel like." In Kota, the mock drill was initiated with the active participation of various emergency response teams, while local markets in Barmer were temporarily closed during the drill.
As the situation continues to evolve, the Rajasthan government remains vigilant, holding regular review meetings to assess the security landscape. Chief Secretary Sudhansh Pant and state police chief U R Sahoo have directed officials to remain present at their headquarters and enhance security measures statewide. The government is prepared for a potential war-like scenario, urging residents to cooperate with law enforcement and remain alert.
In light of these developments, the public is advised to minimize unnecessary movement during nighttime and support law enforcement in patrolling efforts. The administration continues to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that necessary precautions are in place to protect residents and maintain stability in the region.
As tensions between India and Pakistan reach a critical juncture, the focus remains on safeguarding citizens and reinforcing security protocols across Rajasthan's border districts. The community's cooperation and adherence to safety measures will play a crucial role in navigating this challenging period.
