In view of the growing tensions between India and Pakistan, the Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh Friday decided to turn community centres into evacuation shelters with basic amenities.
The decision was taken in an emergency high-level meeting convened by Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla with officials of the Municipal Corporation to assess the city’s preparedness and implement urgent safety measures.
The meeting was attended by Municipal Commissioner Amit Kumar, Senior Deputy Mayor Jasbir Singh Bunty, Deputy Mayor Taruna Mehta, Joint Commissioners, Chief Engineer, Superintending Engineers, and other senior officers.
During the meeting, it was decided that 24×7 emergency control room would be activated, wherein a dedicated control room at Integrated Command and Control Centre
(ICCC) (Tel: 0172-2787200) will monitor and respond to emergencies, under the leadership of SDE Rudesh Kumar.
On blackout and street light protocols, a blackout plan has been put in place, with the SE (Horticulture) overseeing light shutdowns and siren protocols in coordination with Chandigarh Renewal Energy and Science & Technology Promotion Society (CREST).
For water supply preparedness, provisions have been made for tanker-based water supply in case of power disruptions. Also, engineers will work with residents’ welfare associations (RWAs) and market welfare associations (MWAs) to promote calm, prevent hoarding, and share emergency guidelines.
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As per the mayor, community centres are being readied to act as evacuation shelters with basic amenities, and an inventory of machinery and transport vehicles is being prepared for emergency deployment.
It was also noted in the meeting that fire and emergency services are fully equipped and on standby.
Mayor Babla appealed to the public to remain calm, avoid rumours, and cooperate with officials. “We are taking every possible step to ensure the safety and resilience of our city. Stay alert, stay informed, and trust official sources,” she said.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
