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No let-up in plans, all depts. to remain alert: Delhi CM

No let-up in plans, all depts. to remain alert: Delhi CM

The Hindu10-05-2025
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta chaired a meeting with the heads of all Delhi government departments on Saturday to assess their disaster response preparations.
Despite the ceasefire announced by India and Pakistan in the evening, the CM asked all government officials to remain alert.
The CM directed the Revenue Department to immediately operationalise District Disaster Management Authorities and keep civil defence volunteers ready for prompt deployment.
Ms. Gupta asked the department heads to establish communications with the armed forces, as well as officials at railway stations and IGI Airport, for a swift and coordinated response during crisis situations.
She instructed officials to prepare to implement the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) wherever necessary.
Speaking to mediapersons after the meeting, the CM said, 'Health Department officials were asked to ensure that hospitals are fully ready with functional ambulances, ample stock of medicines, backup power for ICUs, and clear duty rosters for doctors and paramedical staff.'
A senior official said Ms. Gupta had directed Power Department officials to ensure prompt response in case of outages and prepare backup power sources for essential services.
The Food and Civil Supplies Department was directed to monitor adequate stock at ration shops and keep the food supply chain operational.
Civic agencies, including the Public Works Department and Municipal Corporation of Delhi, were told to maintain a list of contractors for emergency evacuation and reconstruction of damaged infrastructure.
'Prepare route maps'
Moreover, the public transporters — Delhi Transport Corporation and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation — were asked to finalise emergency evacuation plans. 'The CM asked both to prepare clear standard operating procedures (SOPs), route maps, and fleet management plans to ensure safe and coordinated evacuation of people to secure locations during a crisis,' said the official.
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