New Delhi, May 10 (H.S.): In light of the tension between India and Pakistan, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta held a high-level review meeting with all department heads at the Delhi Secretariat on Saturday. The meeting reviewed the preparedness of all departments to address emergency situations. The Chief Minister directed the electricity department to be ready for power outages and to ensure backup power supply for essential services. She also ordered the Home and Police Departments to maintain operational readiness and ensure the security of water and power supply.

The Chief Minister instructed the Public Works Department, Delhi Municipal Corporation, New Delhi Municipal Council, etc., to prepare a list of contractors and machinery for infrastructure development in case of emergencies. She directed the Delhi Transport Corporation and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to prepare route maps and fleet management for emergency plans and evacuation. The fire department has been instructed to remain on alert. The Delhi government issued an order on May 8 to cancel the leave of all officials, and a ban has been imposed on granting leave to any officer or employee until further notice.

To bolster the citizens’ safety and preparations for emergencies in Delhi, the Delhi Public Works Department conducted a test of air raid alert sirens on the multi-story building of the PWD headquarters located in ITO in coordination with the Directorate of Civil Defence on the afternoon of May 9.

Delhi’s Public Works Minister Paevesh Sahib Singh stated that 40 to 50 air raid alert sirens will be installed on the city’s major multi-story buildings. These sirens will serve as a warning in case of emergencies. All sirens will be controlled from a central command center and will be operated under the National Disaster Management Authority.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar