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. 

Avoid going to washroom before leaving the house or office

The following article is on persons who would go to washroom trying to keep bladder empty before leaving the house, so as to avoid inconvenience while outside.

It appears that this practice makes bladder to give signal for lower volumes even though it can hold larger volumes. This causes frequently visits to washroom even though not required.  Same article mentions that this can be reversed by holding the urge.

Link for full article is given below.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etimes/wellness/always-pee-before-leaving-home-a-doctor-says-you-should-stop-heres-why/articleshow/131201594.cms?jd=V2_245726294362892&utm_source=taboola&utm_medium=taboola_news&dc_data=37133852_samsung-news-india&cex=false&geniev41=30635&origin_referral_type=minus_one&response.session=v2_a9c5a44fd5803ab1de4c9b2e55dc6d85_d251537e2f4efa9c2049ef3b87f5f6526d32eb6030712c581ceb67b080b27301_1779273499_1779273499_CNawjgYQ6IxwGI7dkoGbiK-XlgEgASgEMGc4mNEKQISXgARIx9yBBFCm3RVYAWAAaPzZlc_zy9aMdnAAgAEAiAEA&ui=d251537e2f4efa9c2049ef3b87f5f6526d32eb6030712c581ceb67b080b27301&response.id=__1dd46dd916057a72660fdf98200eda0d__867f962e6fc9cc18766cf2864787d272

Roads and pavements-end to end coverage

It is in many places that all available area is filled with bitumen or concrete for roads, pavements. During rains, with no scope for seepage, it is causing floods.  And, ground water tables are not rising.

Further, thermal radiation will be more from such surfaces, compared to earthen areas. Atleast 1-2 m kerb space with earth shall be left to allow for water seepage and reduced heat.

 

Visible safety

Some VIPs during their visits to plants/projects are found without required PPE. Many times, helmets are worn without chin strap. Such appearances by senior persons set wrong safety culture. Those in position should set an example by following safety principles. 

I also some plant heads carrying their helmets in their vehicles and using it religiously in plant areas during their visits.

Let us remember the saying, 

Yatha Raja, Thatha Praja 

(Like king, like subjects).