Bhatkal — In light of the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, a complete blackout was successfully carried out in Bhatkal on Monday evening from 7:30 PM to 8:00 PM as part of a scheduled mock drill. During this half-hour exercise, electricity was cut off throughout the taluk and vehicular movement on the National Highway was temporarily halted.
The blackout began five minutes ahead of the scheduled time, with the electricity department switching off power across the taluk. Simultaneously, police began preparations to manage traffic, particularly at major junctions like the Shamsuddin Circle. At exactly 7:30 PM, police officers halted all vehicles passing through National Highway 66 and instructed motorists to switch off their headlights.
The entire region — including Bhatkal, Murdeshwar, and surrounding areas — plunged into darkness for the duration of the drill. Citizens traveling on roads were asked to stop their vehicles and remain in place until the blackout concluded. Police patrols, with their own vehicle lights turned off, were seen guiding the public and ensuring strict adherence to the drill.
At 8:00 PM sharp, power supply was restored, streetlights were turned on, and vehicles resumed their movement with headlights back on. Shamsuddin Circle, which had come to a standstill during the blackout, witnessed a surge in traffic as normalcy returned.
The mock drill was deemed a complete success, with full cooperation from the public and effective coordination by the taluk administration. The exercise was closely monitored by Bhatkal DySP Mahesh along with other senior police officials stationed at key locations.
