Shimla to Observe Blackout at 7:20 PM Today as Part of ‘Operation Readiness’ Mock Drill – DC Seeks Public Cooperation
Shimla, May 7:
In preparation for Operation Readiness, Deputy Commissioner of Shimla, Anupam Kashyap, chaired a high-level meeting today to review civil defense protocols and ensure the availability of essential services in the event of a wartime emergency. The DC issued detailed instructions to all departments and emphasized the need for coordinated preparedness.
As part of the exercise, a mock drill will be conducted today at 4:00 PM at the DC Office and Sanjauli Parking area. A siren will sound to mark the start of the drill, which will run for approximately ten minutes. A second siren will signal its conclusion. Officials clarified that this is only a preparedness exercise, and urged the public to stay calm and cooperate fully.
Citywide Blackout from 7:20 PM to 7:30 PM
A complete blackout will be observed across Shimla from 7:20 PM to 7:30 PM. During this time, residents are requested to remain indoors, turn off all lights, and if driving, pull over and switch off vehicle lights. The Deputy Commissioner has appealed to citizens to support the administration by treating this drill with seriousness and complying fully.
The meeting was attended by Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi, Additional Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Verma, Additional District Magistrates Jyoti Rana (Protocol) and Pankaj Sharma (Law & Order), along with officers from all key departments.
Essential Services to Remain Uninterrupted
The DC directed concerned departments to ensure the availability of all critical supplies in the coming days. The Food and Civil Supplies Department reported that the district has a one-month stock of essential commodities including ration, petrol, diesel, and LPG cylinders. Daily monitoring of inventory levels was mandated to prevent hoarding or black marketing.
Healthcare Preparedness Emphasized
The Health Department was instructed to maintain adequate stocks of medicines and set up a core emergency response team. The DC also called for readiness checks on paramedical staff, technical teams, OT facilities, and blood bank storage.
Transport and Infrastructure Readiness
The Transport Department was asked to ensure continuity of public transport during emergencies and keep buses ready for deployment. The Public Works Department was tasked with identifying buildings suitable for temporary shelters and ensuring the availability of labor and machinery. All defense roads must remain operational at all times.
Water and Power Systems Under Review
The Jal Shakti Department was directed to check the safety of water sources and tanks, and ensure all fire hydrants are functioning. The Power Department was told to prepare for backup systems and uninterrupted electricity in case of outages.
Officials were also asked to identify vulnerable areas and prepare for any emergency scenario. The DC urged all departments to stay alert in the coming days, maintain effective interdepartmental communication, and respond promptly to every call.
“This is a matter of national interest,” DC Kashyap stated. “All officers are expected to take active and responsible roles to ensure the safety and preparedness of the district.”
Continuing the achievement of the journey of effectiveness and credibility of more than 10 years in the career of journalism, as a woman journalist, I am Serving as the founder, promoter and editor of DiaryTimes with the trust and support of all. My credible coverage may not have given a big shape to the numbers, but my journey presents articles that make you aware of the exact and meaningful situations of Himachal’s politics, ground issues related to the public, business, tourism and the difficult geographical conditions of the state and financial awareness. DiaryTimes, full of the experience of my precise editorial expertise, is awakening the flame of credible journalism among all of you, so that the eternal flame of meaningful change can be lit in the life of the people of the state and the atrocities being committed against the people can be brought to the fore, I am motivated for that. If even a small change comes with the power of my journalism and the whole world becomes a witness to that issues, then I will consider myself fortunate.
