Citizens, time to wake up, act

Citizens, time to wake up, act
TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bangalore: The fire tragedy at Carlton Towers was a wake-up call to strengthen our civil defence network and create a safe and secure environment in the neighbourhood. With this objective, the Directorate of Home Guard and Civil Defence, in association with Bangalore police and Janaagraha, formally launched Area Suraksha Mitra — Kannu Teri Bengaluru campaign on Sunday.
“The importance of having a trained citizen force
was quite evident with the Carlton Towers incident. If we have trained people, such emergencies can be better handled. During the recent floods in North Karnataka, trained civilians from Bangalore volunteered in rescue and relief operations,” said civil defence chief warden Rtd Maj Gen John.
Civil defence division-9 comprising K P Agrahara was also launched on the occasion. “Each area comprises three to four streets with some 1,200 residents. Through this initiative, the division has wardens monitoring the area’s security as well as training and educating public on civil defence. We will soon involve over 6,000 volunteers from across the city,” added John.
Area Suraksha Mitra volunteers took oath.
Four accused in judicial custody
Four persons arrested in connection with the fire were sent to judicial custody on Sunday.
Carlton Towers Owners Association general secretary Rafique-ur-Rehman (45), chief security adviser Ramachandra Bhandari (54), supervisor of electrical installations B Kempegowda (34) and head of administration and safety B Chennaiah (26) were arrested on Saturday.
The 10th ACMM magistrate remanded them to judicial custody for 15 days. Investigation is on. TNN AREA SURAKSHA MITRA CAMPAIGN IT AIMS AT
Improving policecitizen partnership
Training citizens to deal with any threat posed in their homes/neighbourhood ROLE OF ASMS
Report pro-actively on identified parameters like — strangers in the area, criminals, new tenants, foreigners and suspicious objects
Periodically conduct mock drills WHO CAN REGISTER
A registered voter
Free of criminal record
Above 18 years
Spirit of volunteerism
Those interested can register online - www.civildefence.areasm.org or personally at the civil defence office.