Chandigarh/Panchkula/Mohali, May 8 -- A series of mock drills and blackout rehearsals were carried out across Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula on Wednesday as part of a nationwide mega civil defence exercise in wake of escalating tensions with Pakistan. A near-complete blackout was observed from 7:30 pm to 7:40 pm after the air raid warning sirens went off. Barring a few places, residents and establishments switched off the lights. Motorists, excluding a few, parked their vehicles on roadsides and turned off their headlights. In Sector 61, bordering Mohali, Sector 34, Sector 16, residents said the siren was not loud enough while there were reports that streetlights remained on in Chandigarh Housing Board flats in Sector 51, parts of Ramdarbar and Modern Housing Complex. There were also reports that shops and showrooms in some parts also failed to adhere to the blackout call. In Chandigarh's Sector 40, Ajit Singh, a shopkeeper, said, "As soon as we heard the siren, we turned off the lights." Earlier in the day, a mock drill supervised by Panchkula MC chief Aparajita in Sector 20 was hampered by the delayed response of local police even though the police station was located nearby. Mock drills were also conducted at Bestech Mall in Mohali, ISBT-17 in Chandigarh, Piccadilly Sector-34, schools and other public places, simulating emergency scenarios such as building collapses, fires, and air strikes. Meanwhile, the UT health department has instructed all medical officers and staff to be prepared for emergency duty 24/7. Leaves of medical officers and staff posted at Government Multi Specialty Hospital, Sector-16, Ayushman Arogya Mandir and Urban Arogya Ayushman Mandir, have been cancelled. Medical officers have been asked to be available on phone and report for duty immediately when called. The directive will remain in effect until further notice....