Date:17/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/17/stories/2008121757580300.htm

Karnataka

Security personnel promised more facilities

Staff Correspondent

‘Upgrade Home Guard, Police departments’

Bagalkot: Veeranna Charantimath, MLA, has promised to make sincere efforts to provide infrastructure for modernisation of Home Guard Department, Police Department and fire brigade in the district.

Speaking after inaugurating an event to observe National Disaster Management Day jointly organised by the Home Guard Department, the Police Department and the district administration at Police Parade Ground here on Tuesday, he told officers concerned to prepare a proposal to upgrade these forces in the district and submit it to Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa.

Mr. Charantimath said that home guards and police and fire personnel played an important role in minimising damage during disasters and saving innocent lives. People should cooperate with them during emergency situations.

Deputy Commissioner H.S. Shrivar said that medical, police and fire staff should work in tandem to minimise damage during disasters and stressed the need for training people in civil defence so that they could protect themselves and others.

City Municipal Council president Rekha Hulegbali flagged off the rally taken out by these units, which passed through main streets of the city and reached the Police Parade Grounds.

A mock drill was held demonstrating a rescue operation in a terrorist attack on a college. People were told about steps to be taken during such crises.