Soon, dial 112 for all emergency services

Ramkrishan Upadhyay  

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Chandigarh, August 3

Acting on the directions of the Centre, the Chandigarh Administration has started the process to launch a single number — 112 — for all emergency services related to the police, ambulance, Fire Department, women helpline and disaster management.

Sources said UT Adviser Parimal Rai held a high-level meeting of officers today to discuss the issue. Anurag Aggrawal, Home Secretary, Tejinder Singh Luthra, DGP, and senior  officers of other departments were among those who attended the meeting.

The single number for emergency services has been planned  on the  pattern of the 911 emergency service in the USA. It has been proposed to establish a high-tech control room at the Police Headquarters in Sector 9. The Home  Secretary said the number would ensure a well-coordinated response to those in distress. The Administration was planning to start the  service  soon, he said.  

Sources said when a person would dial 112, the call would be directed to the departments concerned immediately for help. Once launched, all existing emergency numbers would slowly be phased out. The number would be accessible from all mobile and landlines phones. 

Even those whose outgoing call facility has been stopped or temporarily suspended would also be able to call the number. A user will be able to communicate even through an SMS. The system will learn about the location of the caller that will be shared with the nearest help centre. It will also be linked with a panic  button on the mobile.  Trained persons will be deputed at the control room who can speak Hindi, English and Punjabi.