15-Minute Blackout to be observed at selected locations across all districts in Punjab; Check details

April 24, 2026

Today, darkness will descend upon Punjab for a period of 15 minutes. To facilitate this, a blackout will be observed in every district from 8:00 PM to 8:15 PM. The blackout signifying the switching off of all household lights, will be signaled by the sounding of sirens.

This mock drill is being conducted to prepare for and handle emergencies akin to wartime scenarios. Preparations for this exercise are being undertaken in accordance with directives issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. Before the blackout, drills simulating relief operations for the public will also be conducted at various locations across all districts.

What not to do during Blackout 

During the blackout, the use of generators, inverters, and flashlights will also be prohibited. Powercom will temporarily suspend electricity supply to major markets, government buildings, and residential colonies.

At the conclusion of the mock drill, sirens will sound continuously for two minutes, serving as an “All Clear” signal after which normal conditions will be restored.

A spokesperson for the Punjab government urged the public not to panic, emphasizing that this is merely a mock drill and requesting their full cooperation. Notably, a similar blackout protocol was implemented last year in May, following an attempted attack by Pakistan in the wake of India’s “Operation Sindoor.”