Mumbai: The BMC started a new disaster management unit and research centre in Parel on Saturday. The four storeyed centre was inaugurated by mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar and Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray. The centre will be used as a training centre for citizens, research and planning unit in case of disaster, and as ‘backup control room’ in case the main control room of the disaster management cell located at the BMC headquarters faces any glitches.
The centre will have backup of all footage of 5,000 CCTVs installed across the city and will be active 24/7. It will take only 19 seconds for the backup control room to start its operations in case the main control room stops functioning in emergencies like floods, earthquakes, terrorist attacks etc.
“The BMC will use one floor for training the citizens with basic skills of disaster management. Another floor will have murals, exhibits and a library with the capacity of 150 to help citizens get knowledge of disaster management in the city, and research and educational trips for school students. For educational purposes, the centre has a 3D theatre to show informative clips by experts,” informed BMC spokesperson Tanaji Kamble.
The disaster management unit of the BMC will prove to be of great help to citizens, especially during monsoons. People can call on the helpline number 1916 where all emergency information will be provided to callers on flooding, traffic diversion or any civic-related issue.
The cell gets maximum complaints from citizens about tree fall, fire and flooding. However, BMC officials believe that the training centre at the new facility will greatly help citizens in disaster management and awareness.
