Visakhapatnam: In an active effort to raise safety awareness, the Visakhapatnam Regional Government coordinated efforts to cut off drilling at Lamsam Oxygen Tower, a famous skyscraper in Seethammadhara on Wednesday.
The exercise was organized in partnership with its Flatland Owners Welfare Association and was prepared for potential emergencies for residents, including terrorist attacks.
Blackout drilling is part of a wider civil simulation exercise designed to simulate real-world crisis situations. The association held a detailed meeting earlier in the day to introduce safety protocols to residents.
The skyscraper complex consists of 680 apartments, of which 580 are occupied. During the exercise, the power of deliberately shutting down the skyscrapers for 15 minutes, simulated a complete power outage. The exercise is designed to help residents understand how to respond in an unexpected terrorist attack or war situation.
“As per the direction of the regional government, we raised the alarm on the building at 6:58 pm and spent 15 minutes in Total Darkness,” said BVG Sudhakar, vice president of the association.
Some residents quote memories of the 1971 Indian-Pakistan War, citing past experiences. One long-term resident chose to remain anonymous, saying: “With witnessing the reality of the war, we are closely monitoring the current situation. This exercise strengthens the importance of preparation, especially the strategic significance of Visakhapatnam.”
Similar civil simulation exercises will continue in major residential and commercial areas across the city, officials said.
