Rajasthan on High Alert: Government Cancels Leaves Amid Rising Tensions with Pakistan
State Government Takes Precautionary Measures
Jaipur: In light of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, Rajasthan has entered a state of high alert. The state administration has canceled all leaves for government personnel, including police officers, medical staff, and paramedics. Specific guidelines have been issued to border districts to ensure public safety and readiness.
To manage the situation, daily power outages have been implemented in various areas. Barmer and Jaisalmer will experience blackouts from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., while Jodhpur's blackout has been adjusted to 9:30 p.m. to 4 a.m., moving it three hours earlier than before. Similar measures are also in place for Pali, Nal (Bikaner), and Mount Abu, the state's only hill station.
Residents are urged to limit unnecessary nighttime movement and maintain complete darkness in their homes. Any unavoidable light sources must be covered to prevent visibility from outside. Increased police patrols and local watch systems have been established, and citizens are encouraged to cooperate with authorities.
In Sri Ganganagar, markets were closed by 7 p.m. on Thursday following a request from the district administration, and a ban on fireworks has been enforced in both Sri Ganganagar and Bikaner. Additionally, the use of drones has been prohibited in Bikaner as a precautionary measure.
Residents in border villages are advised to keep essential documents like ID cards and ration cards packed for quick evacuation if needed. They should also identify nearby safe locations, such as schools or panchayat buildings, and stay vigilant. The district administration has stressed the importance of remaining calm and relying on verified information from official sources, including loudspeakers, WhatsApp groups, and radio broadcasts.
Any suspicious activities or rumors should be reported to the police immediately. The Medical and Health Department has implemented strict measures to ensure healthcare readiness. All medical personnel's leaves have been canceled, and they are required to remain at their posts unless granted permission by authorized officials.
Gayatri Rathore, Principal Secretary of the Medical and Health Department, confirmed that all necessary steps have been taken to prepare for emergencies. Officers have been assigned to the state-level control room, and Chief Medical and Health Officers in 12 border districts, including Hanumangarh, Ganganagar, and Bikaner, have been instructed to ensure medical facilities are fully equipped.
The police department has also heightened its vigilance following a recent attack in Pahalgam, extending the ban on leave for all police personnel. Leave will only be granted in exceptional circumstances with the approval of the Superintendent of Police or Commandant. ADG Law and Order, Vishal Bansal, has mandated this ban until further notice.
Academic institutions are also affected, with Jai Narain Vyas University in Jodhpur postponing all examinations from May 9 until further notice, as announced by Prof. G.S. Shekhawat, Controller of Examinations. Similarly, Maulana Azad University has suspended exams from May 8 in accordance with district orders, and all academic activities will remain halted.
On Thursday, the District Collectors of Barmer and Jodhpur released comprehensive public safety guidelines to inform citizens on how to act during a crisis or potential attack. These guidelines aim to ensure safety, support defense operations, and maintain order in affected areas.
Gaurav Agrawal, Jodhpur Collector, emphasized the importance of adhering to blackout protocols. He stated, "If the first siren sounds, it indicates impending danger. The second siren signifies that the danger has passed. If a siren sounds at night, it indicates a need for blackout, meaning complete darkness is required. All lights inside and outside the house, as well as vehicle lights, should be turned off. Do not leave your homes during the blackout." Barmer Collector Tina Dabi echoed the need for compliance with blackout measures.