The GHMC’s Directorate of Enforcement Vigilance & Disaster Management (EV&DM) has started an awareness programme for emergency evacuation drills in response to frequent fire accidents in Greater Hyderabad. The programme focuses on conducting drills at vulnerable spots like schools, hospitals, shopping malls, office buildings, hotels, and banquet halls to teach people how to escape from fire accidents and evacuate buildings. The drills also cover the operation of firefighting equipment, first aid, and creating awareness about what to do and what not to do during emergencies.
The Station Fire Officer (SFO) and DRF teams conduct these evacuation drills weekly in all six zones of GHMC. This week, they conducted five evacuation mock drills and 18 awareness programmes. Two drills were held in educational institutions, three in shopping malls, and there were seven awareness programmes in schools and 11 in shopping malls. Owners or management of establishments who want to conduct evacuation drills can contact the EV&DM helpline numbers 040-29555500 and 9000113667. These numbers can also be used to report unauthorized or illegal storage of hazardous chemicals/materials in residential buildings.
Additionally, the EV&DM has imposed penalties for unauthorized or dangerous transportation and dumping of construction and demolition (C&D) materials. Between January 1 and January 11, 2024, they have issued 68 first-offence penalties.
