Half-Hour blackout in Bhatkal, Murdeshwar on May 12: Vehicles restricted on roads; Everything you need to know

Bhatkal, May 12: (Bhatkallys News Bureau) A symbolic half-hour blackout will be observed in Bhatkal and Murdeshwar on Monday, May 12, from 7:30 PM to 8:00 PM, following directions from the district administration. The blackout is being conducted as part of a preparedness drill in view of the current tensions between India and Pakistan and aims to simulate an emergency response situation.

As part of the drill, residents have been requested to switch off all lights in their homes, shops, and commercial establishments during the designated time. Authorities have confirmed that streetlights will also remain off, and the movement of vehicles on public roads will be completely restricted.

The public has been advised to stay indoors throughout the blackout period. Bhatkal DySP Mr. Mahesh has appealed to the people of Bhatkal, Murdeshwar, and surrounding areas to extend full cooperation and participate in the blackout as a show of support and awareness towards emergency readiness.

The exercise is part of a larger initiative taken up in coastal Karnataka following recent statements by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister G. Parameshwara. Both leaders have underlined the importance of boosting security and preparedness in the coastal belt, identifying Uttara Kannada district—after Bengaluru and Raichur—as one of the sensitive zones requiring focused attention.

Mock drills have already been conducted in districts such as Bengaluru and Raichur, and similar activities are now being carried out in Karwar and Bhatkal. In Karwar, the mock drill is scheduled to begin at 4:00 PM on Monday, followed by a blackout from 7:30 PM to 8:00 PM, aligning with the one in Bhatkal.

District officials have urged residents to treat the exercise with seriousness and contribute actively to its success.