Odisha Launches Emergency Response Vehicles
In an attempt to bolster the emergency service infrastructure in the state, the Odisha government, along with state police, on Monday launched 112 as the number for Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs). Manoj Chhabra, Special DGP (SAP), flagged off 106 ERVs at an event organised at OSAP 6th Battalion ground, Cuttack. The primary objective of this new service is to address distress calls by citizens in a more coordinated manner. People will be able to avail all three emergency services, that is, police, fire and ambulance, under one number- 112.
“Today is important for the Odisha Police, Fire and Ambulance service. Like 911 in the US, people of Odisha will now get all the three emergency services like police, fire and ambulance on one number, that is 112. We have already handed over 106 numbers of vehicles. Today we flagged off another 62 vehicles. In the second phase we are going to launch another 150 vehicles. All these vehicles will be deployed to provide all three above-mentioned services,” said Chhabra.
The ERVS have been strategically deployed across districts and key cities of Odisha.
They will be available at — Angul (3), Balasore (3), Bargarh (3), Berhampur (3), Bhadrak (3), Bolangir (3), Boudh (2), Cuttack (3), Deogarh (2), Dhenkanal (3), Gajapati (3), Ganjam (3), Jagatsinghpur (3), Jajpur (3), Jharsuguda (3), Kalahandi (3), Kendrapara (3), Keonjhar (3), Khurda (3), Koraput (3), Malkangiri (3), Mayurbhanj (3), Nabarangpur (3), Nayagarh (3), Nuapada (2), Puri (3), Rayagada (3), Rourkela (3), Sambalpur (3), Subarnapur (2), Sundargarh (3), DCP Bhubaneswar (7).
The ERVs will act on the lines of PCR vans. To manage tasks efficiently, the new vans have been equipped with modern systems such as GIS and GPS. These additions will help provide prompt and effective assistance in emergency situations like crimes, mob acts or accidents.
Ziqitza Healthcare Ltd will manage and operate the ERVs. Like other emergency services, it will be free for the people of Odisha.
