Explained: What are blackouts during times of conflict?
Srinagar, May 9: Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, more than 15 Indian cities — including Srinagar, Chandigarh, and Bhuj — went dark as part of a strategic blackout. The move coincided with Indian armed forces launching a counter-offensive against Pakistani drones and missiles aimed at military installations near India’s western and northern borders.
A blackout is the deliberate shutting off or restriction of visible light in a given area. The goal is to prevent enemy aircraft from easily identifying and targeting critical infrastructure and civilian zones during night time attacks. It is a civil defence measure that forms the first line of protection for citizens, by citizens, especially during aerial threats or war-like scenarios.
What happens during a blackout?
All lights — from streetlamps to those inside homes and buildings — are either turned off or dimmed significantly.
No visible light should be detectable from above at heights of around 5,000 feet under clear conditions.
Citizens are expected to cover windows, reduce outdoor movement, and use minimal interior lighting.
Authorities may also shut off power grids temporarily in some zones to enforce compliance.
Why are blackouts useful?
They confuse enemy pilots, making it harder to distinguish ground targets.
Even with advanced navigation tools, a dark landscape increases anxiety and uncertainty for hostile forces.
Blackouts reduce visibility of strategic locations like military bases, airports, and communication towers.
How are lighting restrictions implemented?
Streetlights: Only essential lights are kept on, with reduced brightness and no ground reflection.
Buildings: Light escaping outside must not exceed the intensity of a 25-watt bulb at 20 feet or a hurricane lantern at 6 feet.
Vehicles: May be required to drive without headlights or with heavily dimmed lights.
What is a ‘crash blackout’?
A crash blackout is an immediate shutdown of all lights in industrial or commercial areas when an air raid warning is issued. The objective is to:
Prevent prominent structures from standing out as potential targets.
Avoid giving away geographic positions through visible landmarks.
Ensure neighbouring areas remain hidden as well.
Such buildings may rely on backup lighting via batteries or petrol-powered generators — not the main power supply — to avoid detection.
Mock drills and preparedness
On May 7, civil defence teams in 244 districts conducted blackout drills to prepare the public. These exercises are aimed at raising awareness and ensuring citizens are familiar with the protocol in case of an actual attack.
