India-Pakistan tensions: What's closed, emergency protocols & more

NEW DELHI: Amid fears of further escalation between India and Pakistan, states, particularly those which share border with the neighbouring country, have started taking emergency response measures . In the capital, for instance, the Delhi government cancelled leaves for its employees “till further orders”, citing the need to maintain high alertness.

“No leave will be granted to any official of Delhi government till further orders given the prevailing situation and preparedness for any emergency,” said a statement issued by the services department.

Here's a look at the preparedness in Delhi and border states.

Delhi

Authorities have stepped up security across the national capital, with security checks being conducted at public places such as at malls, markets, metro stations, hotels, colonies, and transport hubs. “As part of ongoing anti-terror measures, the police conducted a thorough security inspection at the Mayur Vihar Phase-1 Metro Station, a vital public installation. During the visit, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel were briefed, and a focused coordination meeting was held according to Deputy Commissioner of Police (East), Abhishek Dhania. He added that 41 CCTV cameras are operational at the station, with nine CISF constables, including seven male and two female personnel, deployed on every shift to ensure round-the-clock security.

Bomb Disposal Squads (BDS) also carried out anti-sabotage checks at vulnerable locations across the city. Authorities temporarily restricted public access to India Gate, with police clarifying the move was "routine."

“This is a standard practice to keep the C Hexagon traffic jam-free. Nothing new in it. Anyone can come tomorrow and see it,” stated New Delhi Deputy Commissioner Devesh Mahala.

Every district has been asked to remain prepared for emergencies. District magistrates are holding internal meetings on health systems and disaster response readiness.

Border states

Meanwhile, in view of Pakistan's failed drone attacks on Thursday evening, educational institutions have been closed in Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, and Rajasthan, each of which shares a border with Pakistan, and Himachal Pradesh. In Rajasthan, schools will remain shut across border districts, including Sriganganagar, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, and Barmer. In Jammu and Kashmir, educational institutes will be closed on 9 and 10 May, and a call on further closure will be taken on Monday.

Punjab has announced a three-day closure of all schools, colleges, and universities. In the Union territory of Ladakh, Leh has suspended all school activity for two days.

In Haryana, schools are closed across the state including Panchkula, while Himachal Pradesh has imposed closures in the Una district.

Impact on civil aviation

According to the Ministry of Civil aviation, as many as 27 airports have been closed, including major airfields such as Chandigarh, Srinagar, Amritsar, Jodhpur, Bhuj, and Jammu. Airlines have advised passengers to reach open airports well in advance in view of extended security checks at airports.