Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday announced a significant initiative to make emergency services in the capital more effective, prompt and technology-enabled. Now Delhiites will not need to dial different helpline numbers for different types of disasters or emergencies. In case of any emergency, dialing 112 will ensure quick assistance.
This initiative has been launched under the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) 2.0. The initiative aims to free people from the hassle of remembering multiple numbers and provide them assistance more quickly during times of crisis.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta informed that at present, there are multiple helpline numbers for various emergency services including Police (100), Fire Services (101), Ambulance/Health Services (108), Women Helpline (181), Child Helpline (1098), Gas Leak (1906), Electricity Supply (19123), Water Supply (1916), Delhi Metro (155370) and Disaster Management/Relief Services (1077). is used. Due to this, common citizens often face confusion and delays during times of crisis. Under ERSS 2.0, there will be no need to dial different numbers for different emergencies. Help for all types of needs can be availed by simply dialing 112.
According to the Chief Minister, the Union Home Ministry has declared 112 as the national emergency number. In view of this, the process of implementing it in Delhi is progressing. He informed that ERSS 2.0 is a modern integrated signal handling system that consolidates all emergency calls, mobile app alerts, panic buttons, SMS and web alerts on a single Public Safety Answering Center (PSAP).
From here, depending on the nature of the emergency, police, fire, ambulance and disaster management services can be informed simultaneously. In this system, help can be sought not only through calls but also through mobile apps, emergency buttons, SMS and online platforms. This means that even if a citizen is not in a position to speak during an emergency, he can still easily send a signal for help.
He said that the biggest feature of ERSS 2.0 is that the system automatically identifies the location of the caller as soon as a call or emergency signal is received. As a result, the victim is not required to disclose where they are located.
As soon as the location information is received, the nearest police van, ambulance or fire engine will be immediately dispatched from the control room. This will save significant time during the initial 60 minutes (golden hour) and help can reach quickly. In this new system, information will reach police, fire and medical services simultaneously through a single call, thereby eliminating delays during emergency situations to a great extent.
The Chief Minister said that ERSS 2.0 will have a modern dashboard in the control room, through which the incident site, vehicles sent and time taken to reach can be monitored. In case of delay, another vehicle can be sent immediately. This ensures continuous monitoring of the entire operation and increases accountability.
The Chief Minister said that the entire scheme will be implemented in a phased manner. In the first phase, all existing emergency numbers will be integrated into 112. This will be followed by technical upgrades, public awareness campaigns, training for call attendants and finally, evaluation of the system.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that the objective of this proposal is to make the emergency response system in the capital simple, fast and reliable, thereby ensuring safety of life and property and developing Delhi as a safe, smart and responsive capital. She also informed that a massive public awareness campaign regarding the use of 112 will be launched. Displays promoting 112 will be installed in government offices, public places, metro and buses.
Additionally, regular mock drills and awareness programs will be conducted to assess the preparedness of various departments.
