Panchkula, May 9 -- The Panchkula administration has placed the district on high alert and announced that a complete blackout will be enforced across Panchkula tonight starting at 7 pm till further notice.

All markets have been ordered to close by 7 pm, and lights will remain switched off until further notice.

"In view of current situation, it is hereby directed that all the Owners/Caretakers/Licenses/ Lessees, Public Authorities concerned and occupants of Government/Private Buildings, Banks, ATMs, Sports Complex, Hotels, Restaurants, Religious Places, Golf Clubs, Shops in Markets, Parks, Advertisement Boards, Liquor/Wines Shops, Screening Plants/Washing Plants, Mining Sites, Petrol Pumps, Bus Stands, Railway Stations and Street Lights,...