Kutch: The Bhuj area of Kutch district is witnessing an intense blackout, which started at 8 pm and will last till 6 am. People have closed their shops and small businesses and have been inside their homes.
The Kutch district in Gujarat shares a border with Pakistan. According to Army officials, they have sighted drones at 26 locations from Baramulla in the North to Bhuj in the South —along both the Line of Control and International Border with Pakistan. Some are suspected to be armed drones posing potential threats to civilian and military targets.
The 26 locations are Baramulla, Srinagar, Awantipora, Nagrota, Jammu, Ferozepur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Lalgarh Jattan, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bhuj, Kuarbet and Lakhi Nala.
There was no movement of people after 8 pm. A ban on firecrackers is also in place.
District Magistrate Anand Patel Friday issued a public notice banning the use of firecrackers across Kutch under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, which empowers the DM to issue orders in urgent cases of apprehended danger.
His order, issued in consultation with police officers from East and West Kutch, cites prevailing circumstances, referring to the cross-border tensions, and aims to prevent panic or unrest among residents.
The ban applies to all kinds of firecrackers. Those found violating the order will face action, ranging from simple imprisonment and fines for minor offences to harsher penalties, under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023, which is for deterring disobedience to any order duly promulgated by a public servant. Police officers not below the rank of head constable have the authority to register complaints in such cases.
The blackout announcement came as representatives of dozens of religious, social and charitable organisations met with district officials in Bhuj to express their support for the administrative efforts.
At the meeting—attended by secretary incharge Harshad Patel, collector Anand Patel, Member of Parliament Vinod Chavda, Members of the Legislative Assembly, and senior officials—several groups pledged to observe voluntary blackouts, if required.
“We appeal to all citizens to turn off lights immediately upon hearing a blackout announcement. But I am glad that many groups look prepared to cooperate even without being asked,” collector Anand Patel said.
Organisations assured the administration they would support with blood donation and food and water arrangements, if the situation demanded. District Panchayat president Janaksinh Jadeja was present at the meeting with MLAs Keshubhai Patel, Malti Maheshwari, Pradyumansinh Jadeja and Trikam Chhanga, along with representatives of local municipalities.
Officials said the idea was to create a coordinated response mechanism in emergencies. “This is not just a government responsibility—people’s participation is equally important,” said an official at the meeting.
Senior officers such as the drawing and disbursing officer Utsav Gautam, superintendent of police (East Kutch) Sagar Bagmar, additional collector D.P. Chauhan, and District Rural Development Agency director Nikunj Parikh attended the meeting too.
(Edited by Madhurita Goswami)
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