On Diwali, the UP-112 emergency service experienced an unprecedented influx of calls, handling more than 51,000 cases. The Uttar Pradesh Police swiftly responded to various incidents reported during the festive celebrations.
Breakdown of Emergency Calls
During the festival, a staggering total of 101,805 emergency calls were received by the UP-112 service. Among these, police response vehicles (PRVs) were dispatched to 51,796 incidents. The majority of calls, 41,066, sought police assistance, while 1,974 reported fire-related emergencies and 7,147 were requests for medical help.
The high volume of emergency calls reflects both the excitement of the festivities and the importance of community safety. The effective response from UP-112 not only ensured timely assistance but also highlighted the dedication of local authorities to maintain public safety during Diwali celebrations.
Diwali night in Chandigarh witnessed 21 fire-related incidents, echoing the 23 cases reported during the previous year’s festivities. This consistent number highlights an ongoing struggle to mitigate fire hazards during this festive season, despite efforts to promote safety.
Increase in Firecracker Complaints
In addition to fire incidents, the 112 Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) recorded a significant uptick in complaints related to firecracker disturbances. This year, 110 complaints were logged, a sharp rise from 75 in 2023. In contrast, the number of nuisance cases reported dropped drastically, with only two complaints this year compared to 35 last year, suggesting a shift in public perception or tolerance regarding firecracker usage.
To manage these emergencies, Chandigarh Police deployed their PCR vehicles to 442 locations, dispatched fire tenders to 21 sites, and positioned ambulances at 48 points across the city. This robust response aimed to address the various incidents that arose during the celebrations.
Accident-related calls showed a slight decrease, with 19 incidents reported this year, down from 21 in 2023. Additionally, quarrel incidents also saw a marginal drop, with 129 cases logged compared to 155 the previous Diwali. While these reductions are notable, the number of quarrel incidents remains concerningly high.
Miscellaneous Emergency Cases on the Rise
There was an increase in miscellaneous emergency cases, with 161 reported this year, up from 136 in 2023. This category encompasses a variety of minor incidents and requests for assistance, reflecting the diverse challenges faced by emergency services during the festive period.
In neighboring Mohali, the municipal corporation’s fire department recorded 20 emergency calls on Diwali night, marking the lowest number of incidents seen in the last three years. This decrease suggests that safety measures and awareness campaigns may be having a positive effect on fire safety during the celebrations.
