New Delhi: As tensions between India and Pakistan continue to rise following cross-border drone and missile attacks, several Indian states have switched to emergency mode. Precautionary measures including school closures, blackouts, flight cancellations and cancelled government leaves have been enforced across northern and western states, especially those bordering Pakistan.
Here’s a comprehensive state-wise breakdown of how India is responding to the security situation:
Delhi: High alert, leaves of govt employees cancelled
The national capital is on high alert. Delhi government has cancelled all leaves for government employees, including police personnel, directing them to remain at their posts until further notice. Security drills are underway at key public locations including metro stations, malls, and markets.
India Gate has been temporarily closed for public entry, and bomb disposal squads are conducting sweeps in sensitive areas. Metro stations like Mayur Vihar Phase-1 are under 24/7 surveillance, and security cameras and armed personnel have been stationed in high footfall zones.
Punjab: Schools closed, police leaves cancelled
Sharing a 532-km border with Pakistan, Punjab is at the centre of India’s emergency response. Schools, colleges, and universities have been shut across the state for three days.
Police leaves have been suspended in six border districts – Pathankot, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Tarn Taran.
Blackouts were imposed on Thursday night in key cities including Amritsar, Pathankot, and Chandigarh. Authorities remain on high alert across all border-adjacent zones.
Jammu and Kashmir: Civilian evacuations and school closures
After heavy shelling in border sectors, schools across Jammu and Kashmir were ordered shut on May 9 and 10. The state administration confirmed that educational institutions will remain closed for two days as a precaution. In some shelling-prone areas, temporary civilian evacuations have been initiated.
Flights to and from Srinagar and Jammu have been suspended.
Rajasthan: Blackouts, red alerts and school shutdowns
Rajasthan, which shares over 1,000 km of border with Pakistan, has announced red alerts in several districts. Night blackouts from 9 pm to 4 am was imposed in Barmer, Jaisalmer, and Jodhpur. Schools have been closed in five western districts, and all leaves for government employees have been cancelled.
In addition, drones and firecrackers have been banned in vulnerable regions. Flight operations at Bikaner, Kishangarh, and Jodhpur airports remain suspended till May 10.
Haryana: Full emergency preparedness
Haryana has followed suit by cancelling all leaves for police personnel and health department staff. The state has also ordered the closure of schools in several districts, including Panchkula and Gurugram.
District-level emergency drills and readiness reviews are being conducted across the state.
Gujarat: Heightened coastal surveillance
Gujarat, which borders Pakistan both by land and sea, has stepped up coastal security. Police leaves have been cancelled, and local authorities are conducting surveillance in districts like Jamnagar, Morbi, and Devbhumi Dwarka.
Security personnel deployed to monitor remote areas and villagers urged to report any suspicious maritime activity immediately.
Himachal Pradesh and Leh: School closed
In Himachal Pradesh, schools in Una district remain closed. The state government is reviewing emergency preparedness protocols, especially in regions close to Punjab and Jammu.
In the Union Territory of Leh, all schools have been shut for two days due to security concerns.
West Bengal: Advance summer vacation and shutdowns
Though geographically distant from the conflict zone, several private schools in West Bengal have preponed their summer vacations, shutting down from May 9 onwards.
Public institutions including banks are closed in observance of Rabindranath Tagore’s birth anniversary, but no security-related closures have been officially announced yet.
However, mock drills and emergency preparations are underway in coordination with central agencies.
Airports and flights: Suspensions across 24 locations
India’s Civil Aviation Ministry confirmed the temporary closure of 24 airports, including those in Amritsar, Srinagar, Jammu, and Leh. While Delhi Airport remains functional, many flights are being delayed, rerouted, or cancelled due to changing airspace and increased security.
IndiGo cancelled over 160 flights in a single day, and most major airlines including SpiceJet and Air India have issued advisories.
