Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta convened a high-level meeting at the Delhi Secretariat with Heads of Departments (HODs) to assess the city’s readiness for emergencies and to review ongoing development projects.
The meeting underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring public safety and efficient service delivery during crises. In the health sector, the Chief Minister emphasised the importance of maintaining hospital readiness. She directed the Health Department to ensure that all hospitals have adequate stock of medicines, functional ambulances, and backup power for Intensive Care Units (ICUs). Additionally, she instructed that all medical personnel have updated duty rosters and that leaves be cancelled during emergencies. Coordination with central hospitals, such as AIIMS, was also highlighted to ensure seamless support during critical situations.
Addressing infrastructure resilience, the Chief Minister instructed the Power Department to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply to essential services, including hospitals and water pumping stations. The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) was tasked with safeguarding the water supply network, ensuring the availability of water tankers, and providing round-the-clock backup power for all pumping stations. The Revenue Department was directed to activate District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), identify and prepare shelters, and ensure the availability of Civil Defence Volunteers (CDVs) for emergency deployment. The Chief Minister also emphasised the need for coordination with the armed forces, railways, and airport authorities to facilitate swift and coordinated responses during emergencies.
In terms of law and order, the Home and Police Departments were instructed to maintain 24/7 security at critical infrastructure sites and to prioritise the safety of essential services’ supply chains. Preparations for the implementation of the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) were also discussed to ensure the uninterrupted functioning of vital services. The Food and Civil Supplies Department was tasked with monitoring the stock levels at ration shops, ensuring adequate reserves of petroleum and cooking gas, and maintaining the operationality of the food supply chain. The Public Works Department (PWD), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), and other relevant agencies were instructed to maintain a list of contractors for emergency evacuation and infrastructure reconstruction, and to plan in advance for the deployment of necessary machinery and equipment.
The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) were directed to finalise emergency evacuation plans, including clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), route maps, and fleet management strategies to ensure the safe and coordinated movement of people to secure locations during a crisis. The Education Department was instructed to prepare schools and college campuses to serve as temporary shelters, coordinating with DDMAs to ensure proper arrangements for shelter, food, medical assistance, and sanitation.
The Delhi Fire Department was directed to remain in alert mode at all times and to coordinate closely with the Revenue and Police Departments for swift response and relief work in case of emergencies such as fires, explosions, or structural damage. The Labour Department was tasked with ensuring 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.
In conclusion, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta reiterated the government’s commitment to the safety and well-being of Delhi’s residents. She called upon all departments to work collaboratively, ensuring that there are no lapses in serving the public during emergencies. The government’s priority remains to ensure the safety of every citizen and the uninterrupted availability of essential services.
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