Mock drills conducted in Telangana state

Telangana state government conducted mock drills in several districts for scenarios of heavy rains, floods, industrial accidents and forest fires. Objective was to see readiness of various agencies, communication flow, resource management, adequacy of procedures and identification of gaps in the whole process.

It is really great event and kudos to all. Conducting on such large scale requires lot of planning and coordination.

One problem which is generally seen everyday for ambulance and fire tender movement in real emergencies is traffic obstruction. These vehicles are seen struggling to find way to reach destination. Hardly anyone follows traffic lanes with interspersed small vehicles, parking on roads, encroachments, etc. It is near impossible to bring order. 

Actions like towing and auction within short period are required. Penalties should be huge including punishments. Only penalty is not sufficient. 

One more observation is vehicle parking outside in some of the houses. No offsets are left. In addition, steps/ramps/gardens are made encroaching some part of the road. This will reduce minimum road width required for emergency vehicles. Width shall consider turning requirement also. All such encroachments shall be brought down mercilessly.

In future,  authorities may include drills for persons trapped in high rise buildings. Availability of escape and rescue infrastructure shall be made mandatory in all buildings. Power and water supply shall be cut to those with noncompliance.