Doraha residents alarmed as solar reflectors undermine blackout orders

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“We had a sleepless night. The blackout orders were too sudden and we were not prepared for these. Doraha had undergone no mock drill prior to yesterday’s blackout orders. It was only when the power was snapped and the area was plunged into darkness that we realised the need for such a drill. While the authorities urged a complete blackout and civilians complied, we were dismayed to find that the main market road remained brightly lit due to solar reflectors, leaving nothing concealed and everything clearly visible,” said Jandeep Kaushal, a local social worker.

“This was a major failure on the part of the administration. Doraha was completely exposed, which gave us goosebumps throughout the night amid escalating tensions between the two countries. The administration’s lack of foresight is unacceptable. While residents were required to maintain a strict blackout, the authorities overlooked their own responsibilities,” he added.

“Who would have been responsible if something adverse had occurred? Our safety and security were at stake the entire night. If there were orders, they should have been implemented in letter and spirit. Our lives had been held to ransom by the authorities and this is highly condemnable,” said Barjinder Jandu, a resident of Doraha.

“The solar reflectors can pose potential risks and result in security threats during the blackouts. On one hand, the administration calls for a complete blackout, even instructing that CCTV camera lights be switched off, while on the other hand, the reflectors on the main market road emit enough light to make the area easily visible, potentially drawing unwanted attention from adversaries,” said Ajay Pal Singh Gill, another resident.

“Areas with solar lights and reflectors can become vulnerable and act as specific markers, thus posing a huge risk for the civilians. The administration should immediately disable or cover the solar reflectors so that the visibility is reduced to a considerable extent. At the same time, alternate low visibility solutions can be devised to ensure the safety of the residents,” said Joginder Kirti.

When contacted, Payal SDM, Pardeep Bains, said the BDPOs and EOs have been instructed to disconnect the solar reflectors from their batteries and cover them with tape in a way that allows for easy restoration later without damage. We very well understand that total black out means it should be complete in all respects and we are in the process of assuring the same. Further, the residents are urged to assist the administration as well as the police personnel in maintaining the norms and keeping them in place so that we may together be prepared for any sort of urgency,” the SDM added.