Punjab: All-night blackout in Gurdaspur from today as Indo-Pak tension soars

With tension between India and Pakistan escalating, in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, on Thursday (May 8), Punjab’s strategic border district of Gurdaspur has been put under a complete night-time blackout from tonight.

Also read: Operation Sindoor | Rajnath Singh warns Pakistan: Be ready for 'quality action'

In a significant civilian precautionary measure, the Gurdaspur deputy commissioner issued a notice announcing a complete blackout would be observed across the district from 9 pm to 5 am daily until further notice. However, no blackout will be conducted in cantonment zones or military areas.

A first in Punjab

This is a first in the state since the cross-border escalation after Operation Sindoor was launched against Pakistani terror targets on May 7.

The blackout order exempts Central Jail Gurdaspur and hospitals. However, these institutions must keep their windows closed and securely covered during the specified hours to ensure no light escapes.

The directive urged all residents and commercial establishments to strictly comply with the blackout order and ensure no external lighting is visible during the stipulated hours.

Gurdaspur, located in the heart of the Bari Doab between the Beas and Ravi rivers, is the district where Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir meet. It is the gateway to Jammu and beyond to the Kashmir Valley. It also serves as the entry point to Kangra valley, where two major dams, Ranjit Sagar on the Ravi and Pong on the Beas, are situated.

Ban on fireworks

Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sahni announced a complete ban on the use of fireworks — including aerial crackers and Chinese firecrackers — during weddings, celebrations, and religious events within the district.