Sirens Scream, Lights Out: What Happens When UP Rehearses for Wartime Reality?

Cities in Uttar Pradesh are preparing for a special day as air-raid sirens, blackouts, and quick-response drills flood the entire 75 districts on May 7 as a part of civil defence exercises that are to be conducted at the all-India level to check preparedness against possible air attacks.

 

The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed this mega mock drill in view of increased India-Pakistan tensions after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Initially, it was planned for 14 districts, but UP has taken the exercise statewide to all districts including Lucknow, Agra, Kanpur, Ghaziabad, and Varanasi.

 

Drills will mimic wartime emergencies: air-raid sirens will sound, and citywide blackouts will be implemented-residents are encouraged to turn off all lights, inverters, and refrain from using mobile torches in designated blackout periods, usually from 8:00 to 8:10 pm.

 

Major strategic locations such as Agra's Taj Mahal, Mathura Refinery, and Kanpur's defence facilities will be the target. In Ghaziabad alone, more than 25,000 students and a number of high-rise societies have enrolled, and five loud sirens will have a coverage of 7–8 km radius.

 

Civil defence personnel, police, and volunteers will instruct civilians on siren codes, evacuation, and the necessity of blackout precautions and, hopefully, increase public awareness and resilience.

Officials are asking citizens not to panic, pointing out that these drills are essential for national security and readiness, a practice reminiscent of previous wars.

 

Be vigilant, obey orders, and keep in mind: today's blackout is a rehearsal for tomorrow's safety.

 

Source: Hindustan Times, Times of India, Economic Times