Loud and clear: Gujarat sanctions funds for immediate purchase of sirens
Gandhinagar: In the wake of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan last week, the Gujarat govt has swiftly released emergency funds to bolster civil defence preparedness.
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Big districts have been sanctioned Rs 50 lakh each, while smaller districts will receive Rs 25 lakh for the immediate purchase of sirens and communication systems critical for evacuation alerts and emergency coordination."This urgency follows gaps revealed during a statewide civil defence mock drill on May 7. Many sirens installed several years ago, especially in border towns and vital installations, were either non-functional or outdated, leaving vast areas vulnerable," said a senior official said."The revenue department will coordinate the purchase of the sirens and communication equipment through the
(GSDMA)," the official added.Each district, and also vital installations in various districts, will be equipped with sirens and communication equipment like microphones and speakers to alert people for evacuation and other emergencies. "Border towns and villages, along with the big cities and vital installations like refineries and ports will be covered first, and purchases will be made on priority," sources said.Sources in the state govt said that an exercise was also undertaken to make an inventory of all other equipment required during times of crisis.
"The state revenue department is conducting the exercise, and all districts and vital installations will be equipped with this equipment in the coming weeks," said officials.
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