PESD devises plan for Muharram emergency
Staff Reporter
Director-General, Punjab Emergency Service Department (PESD), Dr Rizwan Naseer reviewed arrangements for provision of emergency cover to mourning processions of Muharramul Harram in all districts of Punjab.
He analyzed the arrangements of all districts and observed the working of district control rooms and Provincial Monitoring Cell (PMC).
He directed all Districts Emergency Officers (DEOs) to restrict the leaves of the rescuers, implement Code Red on the 9th & 10th of the Muharram and provide emergency cover while strictly observing Corona Emergency Response protocols to all major processions.
He asserted that the Disaster Response Force (DRF) stationed at Rescue Headquarters will be dispatched in case of any major emergency for backup support.
He expressed these views while presiding over a video link meeting of DEOs and senior officers at Emergency Services Headquarters here on Friday.
DG PESD directed all DEOs to review the checklist for emergency preparedness and hold meetings of District Emergency Boards with key focal persons of Shia Sect/ Majalis, ensure training of Imamia Scouts/ volunteers, and mapping of all licensed & traditional Majalis and processions.
He also directed them to communicate all directions to field formation of Rescue Service to ensure emergency response with personal protective equipment especially facemask, practice social distance, avoid eating and drinking in gathering to avoid the spread of Corona.
Earlier, Head of Operations Mr. Ayaz Aslam briefed DG PESD that all districts have discussed the strategy for implementation of contingency plans with concerned Deputy Commissioners and key focal persons of Shia Sect/ Majalis for providing emergency cover to sensitive localities identified in the District Emergency Board meetings.
As per emergency plans over 11000 rescuers will perform their duties during 9th and 10th Muharram who will provide cover to over 2,799 processions/events.
The Head of Operations informed that Muharram processions/events will be provided emergency cover across Punjab with 900 Motorbike Rescuers, 750 Ambulances and 371 Fire and Rescue vehicles including specialized vehicles from 1st to 10th Muharram in all Districts of Punjab.
DG Rizwan Naseer reviewed and discussed the deployment plan of Emergency Service for Provincial Capital Lahore in which 900 rescuers shall be deployed on 50 ambulances and 300 motorbikes to provide emergency cover to the processions and majalis.
The Special Rescue Teams will be deputed at Karbala Gamay Shah, Imamia Colony, Nissar Haveli, and other sensitive places in Lahore.
Furthermore, additional Rescue Teams will also remain in a stand-by position to provide backup in case of any untoward incident.
