Delhi reviews emergency preparedness and directs departments to remain alert amid security threat | Delhi News – Times of India

Times News NetworkNew Delhi: With the threat of a possible attack by Pakistan still looming over the capital, chief minister Rekha Guptaheld a meeting with her ministers and the top officials of all departments to review the preparedness to combat any war-time eventuality.Though India and Pakistan declared a ceasefire at 5pm Saturday, officials said there were reports of the violation of the cessation of hostile acts by the neighbouring country within a few hours.With the situation still tense, and official said, “We will continue to be on alert and will remain prepared for any eventuality.”According to officials, the purpose of the meeting was to assess departmental preparedness for the current emergency situation and to review the progress of development works. CM issued several key directions to implement a “multi-tiered, coordinated, and active strategy” among health, transport, education, fire services, and welfare sectors to address emergency situations in the capital.Delhi govt, in a statement, said that the health department was directed to ensure full readiness of hospitals, including the availability of ambulances, adequate stock of medicines and consumables, electrical backup for intensive care Units and clear duty rosters for doctors and paramedical staff. Leaves of all medical personnel were cancelled, and coordination with central hospitals like AIIMS was also emphasised.The power department was directed to ensure a prompt response in case of outages and to provide backup electricity for essential services. Delhi Jal Board was instructed to safeguard the water supply network, deploy tankers and ensure round-the-clock electrical backup for all pumping stations, the govt statement said.”The revenue department was directed to activate district disaster management authorities, ensure identification of shelters and their readiness, and keep civil defence volunteers ready for emergency deployment. Special emphasis was also placed on establishing coordination with the armed forces, railways, and airport authorities to enable swift and coordinated responses during any situation,” govt said, adding that CM also directed the home department and Delhi Police to ensure 24×7 security of critical infrastructure sites and prioritise the safety of essential services’ supply chains and implementation of the Essential Services Maintenance Act, wherever required.The food and civil supplies department was instructed to monitor adequate stocks at ration shops, petroleum and cooking gas reserves and to keep the food supply chain operational, while PWD, MCD and NDMC were instructed to maintain a list of contractors for emergency evacuation and reconstruction of damaged infrastructure. They are also directed to plan in advance for the deployment of necessary machinery and equipment, including street cleaning, power supply, lighting, and other essential services.Officials said the Delhi Transport Corporation and Delhi Metro were directed to finalise emergency evacuation plans and prepare standard operating procedures, route maps, and fleet management plans to ensure the safe and coordinated movement of people to secure locations during a crisis.Officials said CM directed the education department to prepare schools and college campuses to be used as temporary shelters and informed that the fire service was told to remain in alert mode at all times and coordinate closely with the revenue department and police for swift response and relief work in case of emergencies such as fires, explosions or structural damage. The labour department was told to ensure the safety, rehabilitation, and provision of necessary assistance to workers in the informal sector and migrant labourers. This includes providing temporary employment support, ration distribution, and health services in relief camps.