Chandigarh tricity on edge amid curfew-like curbs

The entire tricity region, comprising Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula, has been on edge with the curfew-like restrictions put in place amid mounting tension between India and Pakistan.

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The District Magistrates concerned have ordered the closure of cinema halls and shopping malls from sunset to sunrise till further orders and imposed a ban on the use of inverter, generator and any other power backup being used for outdoor lights, billboard and streetlights. They have advised the public not to leave their houses unless urgent in the evening hours. These restrictions will remain in force till further orders.

The prohibitory orders led to panic buying among the residents with grocery stores, super markets and fuel stations witnessing huge rush. There were reports of several stores and fuel stations running out of stock, which also led to profiteering and hoarding despite official orders against such practices.

Meanwhile, the leaves of all government employees and officials across the tricity region have been cancelled.

On Pakistan’s radar ever since India carried out missile strikes on terror bases in Pakistan and later drone strikes on Lahore and Karachi, the tricity region of Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula have been put on high alert. All vital defence and civil installations, government buildings, religious and public places have been brought under enhanced security and vigilance.

As the air sirens on Friday morning pierced the ears of the tricity residents after sleepless Thursday blackout night following the reports of possible drone attack, the focus once again shifted to the vital installations. Security has been beefed up at the Western Command Headquarters in Chandimandir, Mullanpur Air Force base, DRDO’s two major establishments in Chandigarh, international airport in Mohali, Mata Mansa Devi temple, Gurdwara Nada Sahib, both in Panchkula, leading malls and markets, railway stations, and bus stands.

With all schools, colleges and even coaching institutions closed till Sunday and Panjab University deferring the scheduled semester and entrance exams till further notice, the outstation students thronged the bust stands and railway stations for their journey back home.

As part of the contingency plan for public safety, several hotels and dharamshalas have been earmarked for use as emergency rescue and shelter centres.

An enrolment and training camp on civil defence will be conducted at Tagore Theatre here on Saturday for the individuals interested in serving as volunteers during emergency situations.

In order to build emergency reserves and ensure prompt availability of blood in case of any emergency, Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria launched a statewide special blood donation drive from the headquarters of the Punjab Red Cross Society here. The campaign has been simultaneously undertaken across all 23 districts of Punjab. At the PGIMER, the call for voluntary blood donation given by its Director Prof Vivek Lal, evoked an overwhelming response. “Blood donations increased by 15-20%, which is a truly impressive achievement,” said HoD, Transfusion Medicine, Prof Rati Ram Sharma.

No daily blackout

Blackout will be imposed in Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula, as and when required. Panchkula Commissioner of Police Sibash Kabiraj ordered removal of mandatory daily blackout in Panchkula after receiving revised government instructions late this evening.

PGI OPD registrations DIP

The OPD registrations at the PGIMER on Friday dipped to 8,435 patients from the average daily footfall of over 10,000 on any given day.

Rush eludes religious places

Unlike normal days, there was no rush at the main religious places, including Mata Mansa Devi Mandir and Gurdwara Nada Sahib on Friday. These places wore almost a deserted look.

Exorbitant cab charges

With the airport shut and the trains and buses unable to cater to the heavy rush of commuters, the inter-city and intra-city cab services have also started charging exorbitantly. “After my college was closed, I had to go back to my home in Hyderabad. Since the local airport was lying shut and no seat available in trains and buses, I had to shell out Rs 5,000 for one-side trip to Delhi, which earlier used to cost Rs 3,500,” shared a student.

Army requisitions trucks, buses

To deal with any exigency, the Army has requisitioned trucks and buses from the local civil administrations. “We have arranged over 225 big trucks for the Army besides ensuring that buses from the state transport will be made available, as and when required,” a senior official told The Tribune. The Army, it was learnt, through its Western Command headquartered in Chandimandir, was mobilising the resources and logistics to move the battle tanks, men, machinery and material to the border areas in case of any such need.

DESERTED ROADS

Even as Chandigarh and Mohali did not impose any blackout on Friday, both cities wore a deserted look after 8 pm. With the streetlights and outdoor lighting of a majority of buildings, including religious places, remaining switched off, the roads and streets were plunged into darkness. The public movement remained negligible. Panchkula also lifted mandatory daily blackout late Friday night.