Special warehouses to stock meds, food for emergencies

To minimise casualties in times of disasters, the Delhi government is planning to construct four warehouses at strategic locations in the city. These warehouses will be stocked with medicines and food items that will come in handy during emergency situations.

To minimise casualties in times of disasters, the Delhi government is planning to construct four warehouses at strategic locations in the city. These warehouses will be stocked with medicines and food items that will come in handy during emergency situations.

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"As per the plan, we are looking at constructing four warehouses and 27 smaller warehouses at sub-divisional level. Of the four big warehouses, the master one will be located near the airport in southwest Delhi so we can airlift essential items if required. These warehouses will be stocked with essential life-saving supplies and equipment that will help emergency support functions react timely and efficiently in a disaster-like situation," said a senior Delhi government official.

The proposal lists floods as one of the biggest concerns for areas in northeast, east, north and northwest Delhi. “Slums and unauthorised colonies in low-lying areas experience it the most,” he said.

“The project is not only about the construction of warehouses, but also focuses on building the capacity of Delhi’s emergency services in warehouses management. It will also create awareness among community members who can act as first emergency responders,” added the official.

The 27 smaller warehouses will also act as a place to provide community training to strengthen the capacities of Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs).

“RWAs and other volunteers will undergo training at the 27 warehouses so they know how to react in an emergency situation,” added the official.