With Diwali festivities expected to draw large crowds and increase the risk of fire incidents and road accidents, Ahmedabad’s Fire Department, 108 Emergency Service and city police have joined hands to strengthen emergency preparedness across the city.
As part of the joint action plan, staff leave across the three departments has been postponed to ensure adequate manpower during the festive period. All departments will maintain round-the-clock monitoring, while temporary emergency response points have been set up in crowded residential areas and firecracker markets to reduce response time.
18 fire stations put on alert, quick response vehicles deployed
The Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services (AFES) has placed all 18 fire stations on alert. To ensure that emergency teams can reach congested areas without delay, water-mist bikes and Quick Response Vehicles (QRVs) have been deployed in markets and localities with narrow roads, including Kalupur, Relief Road, Lal Darwaja and Bapunagar.
Water browsers have also been stationed near major firecracker markets and stalls along S.G. Highway, Sindhubhavan Road and S.P. Ring Road.
108 ambulances stocked with burn care supplies
With emergency services anticipating a 15-20% rise in traffic accidents and burn-related cases during Diwali, 108 Emergency Service has strengthened its ambulance preparedness. Ambulances have been stocked with pain management medicines, oxygen cylinders and burn dressing kits.
To ensure timely treatment, the service has also established direct hotline coordination with the Burns Wards and Trauma Centres at Asarwa Civil Hospital, Sola Civil Hospital, L.G. Hospital and Shardaben Hospital. This is expected to help hospitals prepare for incoming patients and minimise delays in treatment.
Police step up patrolling, cranes kept ready at key junctions
The city police have increased foot patrolling in crowded and sensitive areas, including railway stations, ST bus stands and shopping malls. Teams from the Crime Branch, Special Operations Group (SOG) and local police will maintain a stronger presence during the festive rush.
The Traffic Branch has also kept recovery vans and cranes on standby at major traffic junctions. These will help clear vehicles in case of breakdowns and ensure that fire tenders and 108 ambulances can move without getting caught in traffic congestion.
For women’s safety, SHE Teams and 181 Abhayam teams will also be deployed in busy markets and other crowded public spaces.