Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, the Rajasthan government has placed the state on high alert, cancelling leaves for personnel across key departments, including police, doctors, and paramedical staff. The move comes as a precautionary measure to ensure full preparedness, particularly in border districts.
Daily blackouts have been enforced in multiple regions. In Barmer and Jaisalmer, blackouts will be observed from 9:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m., while in Jodhpur, the blackout window has been extended from 9:30 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.—three hours earlier than the previous schedule of 12:30 a.m. Similar measures have been implemented in Pali, Nal (Bikaner), and Mount Abu.
Residents have been instructed to stay indoors after dark and maintain complete darkness. Lights that cannot be switched off must be covered with a cloth to prevent visibility from outside. Police patrolling and the traditional chowkidaari system have been intensified to bolster security. Citizens have been urged to cooperate fully with authorities.
In Sri Ganganagar, markets shut down by 7:00 p.m. on Thursday following an appeal from the district administration. A ban on fireworks and the use of drones has been enforced in both Sri Ganganagar and Bikaner.
Border village residents have been advised to keep essential documents, such as ID and ration cards, packed and ready for emergency evacuation. They have also been instructed to identify the nearest safe location, such as a school or panchayat building. Authorities have cautioned against panic and advised people to rely only on official communications via loudspeakers, verified WhatsApp groups, panchayat messages, and radio broadcasts.
Suspicious activity or rumour-mongering should be reported to the police immediately.
Medical and Police Readiness
The Medical and Health Department has cancelled all leaves of doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff with immediate effect. Personnel have been instructed not to leave their headquarters without official permission.
Principal Secretary Gayatri Rathore confirmed that emergency preparedness steps have been taken, including assigning officers to the state-level control room. Chief Medical and Health Officers in 12 border districts—Hanumangarh, Sri Ganganagar, Bikaner, Churu, Jaisalmer, Jalore, Sirohi, Pali, Barmer, Balotra, Jodhpur, and Phalodi—have been directed to ensure all medical institutions are fully equipped and ready.
The police have also heightened their state of readiness. Following the recent attack in Pahalgam, the Police Headquarters extended the ban on leave for all police personnel. Only in exceptional circumstances will leave be granted, with approval from the Superintendent of Police or the Commandant. The directive was issued by ADG (Law and Order) Vishal Bansal and will remain in effect until further notice.
Impact on Education
Academic schedules have also been disrupted. Jai Narain Vyas University (JNVU), Jodhpur, has postponed all examinations scheduled from May 9 until further notice, as announced by Prof. G.S. Shekhawat, Controller of Examinations. Maulana Azad University has similarly suspended exams from May 8 following orders from the district administration. All academic activities at these institutions remain on hold.
Public Safety Guidelines
On Thursday, the District Collectors of Barmer and Jodhpur jointly issued detailed public safety guidelines. These include instructions on responding to sirens:
First siren: Danger is imminent.
Second siren: Danger has passed.
Night siren: Indicates a blackout. All lights—indoor, outdoor, and vehicle lights—must be switched off immediately. Residents should stay indoors until further notice.
Jodhpur Collector Gaurav Agrawal emphasized strict adherence to the blackout protocol, while Barmer Collector Tina Dabi urged all citizens to follow the safety measures without exception.
(With IANS inputs)