As India-Pak border heats up, here's all you need to know about blackouts

Due to the escalation by Pakistan, several border towns were plunged into darkness as authorities enforced blackouts as a tactical defensive move

On the intervening night of 6-7 May, the Indian armed forces targeted nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of Pahalgam terror attack of 22 April, which left 26 civilians dead. On 7 May, 244 cities across the nation conducted mock drill for civil defence preparations and many of them even witnessed 15-minute blackout.

 

Since the retaliation by India, Pakistan further escalated tensions by ramping up the attacks along the Line of Control. Pakistan tried to target several Indian cities with rockets and drones, all of which were intercepted by India's air defence systems. However, due to the escalation, several border towns were plunged into darkness as authorities enforced blackouts as a tactical defensive move. Several cities like Jammu, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, among others went pitch dark.

 

What are blackouts and why are they used during war?

Blackouts are strategic manoeuvres during a war or war-like situations. Major cities, especially those very close to the border, and strategic locations like power plants, dams, government and defence buildings, etc., witness total blackouts during the night to shield them against enemy attack. During a strategic blackout, entire cities see power cuts for prolonged hours, mostly for the entire night. Citizens are instructed by the authorities to keep the lights off, even those running on generators and inverters, to avoid detection. Blackouts make it extremely difficult for enemy aircraft to spot structures and attack, thereby protecting civilians against foreign adversaries.

A brief history of blackouts in India from WWII to Kargil

India was not directly involved in World War II and it was not a war front either. However, things changed when Burma (present-day Myanmar) fell to the Japanese. After Dalhousie got bombed in December 1942, authorities initiated protective measures in Calcutta (now Kolkata), which included blackouts and important buildings being painted black.

 

The 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan are two other examples where several cities were forced to impose total blackouts. In 1965, border-sensitive areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan saw blackouts for several nights. Even the national capital Delhi was under nightly blackouts. The war witnessed significant aerial combat, which made the blackout a necessity. The same happened in 1971 but this time cities in Assam and West Bengal also had to impose blackouts, as the war was being fought on the eastern front. Kargil, however, was a war where no blackouts were imposed, since there were no civilian structures near the war front.

 

How blackout drills disrupt daily civilian life

 

Blackouts tend to create a restrictive environment, which is stressful and tense for the general population of the affected area. Here’s how it impacts civilian life.

 

Impact of blackouts on daily routine: Due to the blackout, movement after sundown gets heavily impacted. This forces people to return to their homes early and stay inside and not use lights in any way. Social activities also take a hit. Additionally, even streetlights are turned off, which can impact road safety. 

 

Communication shutdown: It is a common military tactic to shut down communications in areas that are closer to the war zone or have been put under blackouts. With heavy dependence on the internet for almost everything in modern times, shutting off the internet will have immense impact on basic communication and a lot of other activities.

 

Healthcare and essential services suffer: Even hospitals operate on limited power, affecting patient care. The closure of pharmacies and smaller clinics adds to the woes of civilians during blackouts.

 

Psychological effects of enforced darkness and uncertainty: The panic that sets in due to blackouts creates substantial psychological impact. Uncertainty, restricted movement, lack of basic services, struggle to carry on daily life in an orderly manner, tension of war, etc., create anxiety among the people.

 

Economic disruption during blackout drills: Since there is no public movement allowed during the night, no economic activity happens. The uncertainty of war also leads to panic buying and, due to the restriction of movement during blackouts, shortage of goods is often noticed.

 

Do blackouts still work in the age of drones and satellites?

 

It can be argued that blackouts are not as effective in modern times due to the availability of advanced technologies like infrared, satellite imaging, drones, etc. Satellites with superior technology can spot structures and click high-resolution images that can aid pilots to hit targets. Counter measures like radars, anti-aircraft, and anti-missile systems balance out the threat of an enemy attack.

 

Blackouts are more about psychological preparedness. The idea that a blackout can keep an area safe in times of war helps the civilians keep calm. Blackouts also encourage people to be disciplined, exercise caution, and abide by the guidelines issued by the authorities.