A security personnel stand guard at Turkman Gate area on Saturday.
| Photo Credit: SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR
The Delhi police have identified basements of residential and commercial buildings and metro stations that could be used as air raid shelters, a senior officer said on Saturday, adding that a list of children and elderly residents is being compiled to ensure swift evacuation.
The officer added that a new, specialised unit — Delhi Police Disaster Response Force (DPDRF) — has been created to handle natural disasters, man-made emergencies, and critical incidents, in tandem with other emergency response agencies.
The newly constituted force comprises around 270 personnel, including Sub-Inspectors and constables, who are undergoing a six-week intensive training programme conducted by the National Disaster Response Force, the officer added.
The DPDRF personnel will be equipped with specialised skills to conduct rescue operations during fires, building collapses, and floods. “They will also undergo training to deal with chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) emergencies, expanding the scope of their response capabilities,” the officer said.
The police are working with civil defence volunteers and residents’ welfare associations (RWAs) to prepare emergency rescue plans. “We will work with the volunteers and the RWAs to teach people how to respond when sirens are sounded. This includes taking cover in secure locations, avoiding open spaces and following police advisories through official channels,” said the officer.
Published – May 11, 2025 12:29 am IST
