Following India’s airstrikes on nine terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, a high alert has been declared in districts bordering Rajasthan. As a precautionary measure, all flight operations at Kishangarh and Jodhpur airports have been suspended until May 10th.
Rajasthan’s 1,037-km border with Pakistan has been sealed, with heightened vigilance maintained by Border Security Force personnel. The Indian Air Force is also on high alert.
All government and private schools, along with anganwadi centres, in the border districts of Barmer, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Sri Ganganagar have been ordered closed until further notice.
Government employees in these areas have had their leaves cancelled and are required to remain at their headquarters.
State authorities have mandated increased surveillance on social media platforms and reinforced security at sensitive locations.
Hospitals have been instructed to ensure an adequate supply of blood and life-saving medicines, and fire services are on high alert for potential emergencies.
The Home Department has directed all District Collectors, particularly those in the border districts of Ganganagar, Bikaner, Phalodi, Jaisalmer, and Barmer, to maintain close coordination with the army and central agencies.
Key instructions issued include:
- Ensuring hospitals are equipped with life-saving medicines and sufficient blood supplies.
- Identifying and preparing safe zones with backup power (generators) for emergencies.
- Acting swiftly against any provocative content or misinformation on social media.
- Monitoring food supplies and discouraging hoarding to ensure the availability of essentials.
- Fuel pumps have been asked to stock adequate quantities of petrol and diesel.
- Preparing evacuation plans for border villages in case of escalations.
- Compiling a list of vulnerable locations and strengthening security at these sites.
In specific district actions:
- Jodhpur: District Collector Gaurav Agrawal announced late at night holidays for all government and private schools, colleges, anganwadi and coaching institutes. Exams scheduled for May 8th have been postponed.
- Barmer: District Collector Tina Dabi announced holidays for all government and private schools, anganwadis, and madrassas starting from May 8th in response to potential emergency situations.
- Jaisalmer: District Collector Pratap Singh Nathawat issued closure orders for all educational institutions. Additionally, a 4-hour blackout was imposed in Jaisalmer from 12 midnight to 4 a.m. on Thursday to enhance operational security.
- Sri Ganganagar and Bikaner: District Collectors Dr. Manju (Sri Ganganagar) and Namrata Vrishni (Bikaner) have announced school closures until further notice, citing heightened tensions along the border.
These precautionary measures have been implemented as India anticipates potential retaliation from Pakistan following Operation Sindoor.
