New Delhi [India]: In light of ongoing national security concerns following cross-border drone and missile threats, the Directorate of Civil Defence under the Government of NCT of Delhi will conduct a testing exercise of air raid sirens at the PWD Headquarters, ITO, on Friday at 3 PM, the District Magistrate (Central) announced.
The siren test will last approximately 15 to 20 minutes and is part of routine emergency preparedness drills. The public has been advised not to panic during the test.
District Magistrate G. Sudhakar emphasized the importance of public awareness, urging citizens to remain calm and clarifying that this is only a preparedness measure. Authorities are using social and electronic media to notify residents and prevent misinformation.
All key stakeholders, including the Lieutenant Governor, Chief Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Chief Secretary, and Delhi Police Commissioner, have been briefed. The Directorate of Information & Publicity is coordinating outreach to ensure maximum awareness.
Meanwhile, Ambala district authorities issued a real air warning alert early Friday following an intelligence update from the local Air Force station. Sirens were sounded across the city, and residents were instructed to stay indoors and avoid terraces or balconies.
As an added precaution, the Deputy Commissioner of Ambala ordered a complete blackout across the district from 8 PM to 6 AM, instructing all households and businesses to switch off lights during that period.
In Chandigarh, a similar air warning was issued after a possible threat alert was received from the local Air Force station. Sirens were activated citywide. Deputy Commissioner of Chandigarh stated:
“An air warning has been received from the Air Force station about a possible attack. Sirens are being sounded. All are advised to remain indoors and away from balconies.”
These developments come in the wake of India’s Operation Sindoor, which saw the Indian Armed Forces strike nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir on May 7, in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 Indian civilians.
According to defence sources, the Indian Army shot down over 50 Pakistani drones during a large-scale counter-drone operation along the LoC and IB on May 8–9. The Akash air defence system and other indigenous technologies played a key role in thwarting attempted strikes on Indian military targets.
Additionally, an Air Defence system in Lahore was reportedly neutralised during India’s response. These escalations mark one of the most intense military exchanges since the 2019 Balakot air strikes.