*Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla calls emergency response meeting amidst India-Pakistan tensions*
*Chandigarh, May 9:-*
In a swift and proactive response to the escalating tension between India and Pakistan, Chandigarh Mayor Smt. Harpreet Kaur Babla today convened an Special meeting with top officials of the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh.
The meeting was attended by Municipal Commissioner Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, Senior Deputy Mayor Sh. Jasbir Singh Bunty, Deputy Mayor Smt. Taruna Mehta, all Joint Commissioners, Chief Engineer, Superintending Engineers and senior officers of the Corporation.
Mayor Babla, while expressing deep concern for the safety and well-being of Chandigarh residents, issued a series of urgent instructions to ensure the city’s preparedness for any emergency. She emphasized that “citizens’ safety is our topmost priority, and the Municipal Corporation is fully mobilized to respond swiftly and efficiently.”
Key measures initiated under the Mayor’s leadership include:
• Emergency Control Room Activated:
A 24x7 Control Room has been established at ICCC (Tel: 0172-2787200) to handle all emergency calls. A dedicated team under the supervision of SDE Sh. Rudesh Kumar has been deputed to manage operations, with full support from designated staff.
• Blackout Protocols & Street Light Management:
The Mayor instructed the immediate implementation of a blackout plan. SE (Horticulture) has been appointed as Nodal Officer to oversee switching off street and solar lights and raising sirens if required. Coordination with CREST and engineering departments has been ensured.
• Water Supply Management:
In the event of electricity failure, the SE (Public Health) has been directed to ensure uninterrupted water supply through tankers. Contact details of key officials are being centralized in the Control Room.
• Public Advisory via RWAs/MWAs:
Area engineers are directed to meet Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and Market Welfare Associations (MWAs) to advise on blackout protocols, preventing public panic, discouraging hoarding, and ensuring compliance with emergency advisories.
• Identification of Evacuation Centres:
Community Centres across Chandigarh are being identified and prepared to function as evacuation centres if required, with logistical arrangements for boarding and lodging.
• Security of Critical Installations:
Vital infrastructure such as waterworks, tubewells, and ICCC are to be secured. Only verified government personnel will be permitted access to these locations.
• Mobilization of Machinery:
The Mechanical and Transport wing is preparing an inventory of all government and private machinery (JCBs, tippers, trucks) along with drivers’ contact information for rapid deployment during emergencies.
• Readiness of Fire & Rescue Services:
The Chief Fire Officer has been directed to ensure that all fire and rescue operations are on high alert and fully operational.
Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla urged the citizens of Chandigarh to remain calm, avoid rumors, and cooperate with authorities. She reassured that all departments are on full alert and Chandigarh is fully prepared to meet any contingency.
“MC taking every step possible to ensure the safety and resilience of our city. I appeal to the public to stay vigilant, stay informed through official channels, and avoid panic,” .
