India-Pakistan Tensions Spark Blackouts in 15+ Cities: Here’s Why
Blackouts in India Amidst Rising Tensions
India saw blackouts in over 15 cities on Thursday night (May 8th), from Srinagar to Chandigarh to Bhuj, as tensions with Pakistan escalated. This move came as the Indian armed forces launched a counter-offensive against Pakistani drones and missiles targeting Indian military facilities in the west and north.
What are Blackout Measures?
In this context, a blackout means turning off or restricting all lights in a specific area. It’s a safety measure designed to help protect civilians during potential attacks. Think of it as dimming the lights to make it harder for enemy aircraft to spot targets at night.
These blackouts are part of India’s civil defence strategy, which aims to equip citizens with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves in times of crisis.
Why Do Blackouts Help?
The main goal of blackouts is to make it harder for enemy aircraft to identify and target ground installations at night. According to a 2003 directive from the Directorate General Civil Defence, these lighting restrictions are crucial for civilian safety during air attacks.
The directive explains, ‘Lighting restrictions are an important feature of precautionary measures to be taken as a form of security against air attack.’ They aim to create a darker environment, making it more difficult for enemy pilots to navigate and target their objectives.
How are Blackouts Implemented?
Blackouts aren’t just about switching off all the lights at once. They are implemented in stages to minimize disruption to daily life. Here’s how it works:
- Street lights are reduced to the bare minimum, and their power is lowered to avoid reflecting light on the ground.
- Buildings and open areas are lit to a level equivalent to a 25-watt bulb at a distance of 20 feet or a hurricane lantern held 6 feet away.
The directive emphasizes that blackouts are a crucial part of India’s civil defence strategy. They are designed to protect not just individual buildings but entire neighbourhoods during times of heightened threat.
Beyond Regular Blackouts: ‘Crash Blackouts’
In addition to routine blackouts, there is a specific measure called a ‘crash blackout’ used for factories and commercial buildings in case of an air raid warning. The purpose of a ‘crash blackout’ is to make these prominent buildings less visible to enemy aircraft at night, preventing them from being targeted.
A ‘crash blackout’ also helps to conceal geographical positions, providing protection for the entire surrounding area.
To ensure a ‘crash blackout’ is effective, auxiliary lighting is powered by alternative sources like batteries or generators, independent of the main electricity supply.
