Hours before India-Pak ceasefire call, Delhi CM meets depts to review emergency prep
Hours before US President Donald Trump claimed that New Delhi and Islamabad had agreed to a 'full and immediate' ceasefire amid the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta Saturday chaired a high-level meeting with the heads of departments (HODs) to review and discuss emergency preparedness measures.
The CM issued key directions to all departments to implement a multi-tiered, coordinated, and active strategy to address emergencies in the Capital.
According to officials, this strategy involves various sectors such as health, transport, education, fire services, and workers' welfare, among others.
Gupta directed the health department to ensure hospitals are prepared and have ambulances on standby, adequate stock of medicines and consumables, electrical backup for Intensive Care Units (ICUs), and clear duty rosters for doctors and paramedical staff.
Directions were issued to call off leaves of all medical personnel, and coordination with central hospitals like AIIMS was also emphasised, said officials.
The power department was directed to ensure prompt response in case of power outages and to provide backup electricity for essential services. The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) was instructed to safeguard the water supply network, deploy tankers, and ensure round-the-clock electrical backup for all pumping stations.
The CM also asked the Revenue Department to immediately activate District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), identify shelters, and ensure civil defence volunteers are ready for emergency deployment.
'Special emphasis was placed on establishing coordination with the Armed Forces, Railways, and Airport authorities to enable swift and coordinated responses during any situation. Additionally, the Home and Police Departments were instructed to ensure 24×7 security of critical infrastructure sites and prioritise the safety of essential services' supply chains,' said the Chief Minister's Office in a statement.
Directions were also issued to prepare for the implementation of the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA), wherever it is deemed necessary, said officials.
Meanwhile, the Food and Civil Supplies Department was directed to monitor adequate stock at ration shops, petroleum and cooking gas reserves, and keep the food supply chain operational.
Other departments which manage roads, drains and infrastructure — like the Public Works Department, Municipal Corporation of Delhi and New Delhi Municipal Council — were instructed to maintain a list of contractors for emergency evacuation and reconstruction of damaged infrastructure, and to plan for the deployment of necessary machinery and equipment, including street cleaning, power supply, lighting, and other essential services.
Officials said the CM instructed the Delhi Transport Corporation and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to prepare and finalise emergency evacuation plans. Both agencies were directed to prepare clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), route maps, and fleet management plans to ensure the safe and coordinated movement of people to secure locations during a crisis, added officials.
The CM further asked the education department to prepare schools and college campuses under its jurisdiction to be used as temporary shelters, coordinate with DDMAs to ensure proper arrangements, such as food, medical assistance, and sanitation.
The fire department has been directed to remain on alert at all times and 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.
Additionally, the Labour Department was instructed 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,' said officials.
Assuring the people that the Delhi government stands with them, Gupta called on all departments to work together and ensure there is no lapse in serving the public.
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