Kolkata Police have set up a unified command centre with representatives from at least nine agencies at Lalbazar in anticipation of Cyclone Remal.
The command centre has officials from the power utilities, the public works department, Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Kolkata Municipal Development Authority (KMDA), fire and emergency services and the disaster management group (DMG) besides the police.
The idea is to have all of them in one place so quick and real-time decisions can be taken.
The centre can be accessed through these numbers — 033-2214-3024 and 033-22143230 — operational from Friday night.
The representatives of each of the agencies have been provided with a list of contact numbers of senior police officers in each of the divisions of Kolkata Police apart from access to CCTVs on all major thoroughfares.
“The team members at the unified command centre will also liaise with their counterparts in all the divisions of Kolkata Police and with different control rooms that would be set up, at Nabanna and the headquarters of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation,” a senior police officer said.
“Separate teams from the NDRF, DMG and civil defence are being kept ready for rescue missions. A separate DMG team will be positioned at the Police Training School in Alipore.”
On Friday evening, separate teams comprising members of the different agencies were asked to be on standby mode and be ready to take orders from the centre.
The deputy commissioners of police of Kolkata Police’s 10 divisions instructed officers in charge of police stations under their respective jurisdictions to remain prepared for any emergencies arising out of extremely heavy rainfall and gusty winds.
“The officers in charge of the police stations have been asked to make necessary arrangements for rescue and relief operations, including removing uprooted trees, and coordinating with borough engineers for drainage and pumping of accumulated water,” said a senior officer of the East division of Kolkata Police.
“Officers will identify schools, colleges and other places, including stadiums and ward offices, where people can be put up after emergency evacuation.”
Senior police officers said all traffic guards have been asked to keep the contact numbers of those responsible for operating pumps and diesel generator sets under their respective jurisdictions ready.
“All traffic guards must keep equipment, including tree pruners and saws in working condition. Traffic sergeants have been asked to remain prepared to join representatives from other agencies to ensure snarl-free roads,” the officer said.
