Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar has urged developers to include helipads in high-rise buildings, proposing to make them mandatory for emergency evacuations during fire or terror attacks.

  • Helipads on high-rise buildings are likely to be made mandatory by the Karnataka government.
  • The move aims to facilitate rapid evacuation during fires, terrorist attacks, or other emergencies.
  • The State government will increase the police hardship allowance by 50%.

In a significant move aimed at bolstering urban safety, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has advocated for the integration of helipads into high-rise building designs. Speaking at the Manekshaw Parade Ground in Bengaluru on Friday, the Chief Minister urged developers and builders to dedicate space for helipads, noting that the government is considering making these installations mandatory under the legal framework.

Enhancing Emergency Preparedness

The Chief Minister emphasized that as Bengaluru's skyline continues to grow with increasingly tall structures, the risks associated with fire mishaps or potential terrorist attacks also escalate. "Protecting citizens is our duty. In such emergency situations, using helipads can play a vital role in saving lives," Shivakumar stated. To ensure seamless operations, the state government intends to engage in discussions with military and air force officials to establish a formal agreement for emergency aerial access.

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Support for Law Enforcement

Beyond urban planning, the Chief Minister addressed the welfare of the police force. Recognizing the immense hardships faced by officers, he announced a 50% increase in the hardship allowance for police personnel. Reflecting on his previous tenure as the Minister in charge of prisons, he acknowledged the tireless, day-and-night service provided by the force and commended their loyalty to the country's integrity and peace.

The Shift Toward Tech-Driven Policing

Echoing the need for modernization, Home Minister Priyank Kharge highlighted the necessity of strengthening forensic capabilities, cyber investigations, and data-driven policing. He stressed that adopting technology is insufficient unless accompanied by specialized skill development, ensuring that the police can respond swiftly to evolving criminal methodologies.

NSG Training for Karnataka Police

The announcement coincided with the commencement of a month-long specialized training program led by the National Security Guard (NSG). Approximately 500 Karnataka police officers are undergoing rigorous training in domains such as counter-terrorism, counter-drone operations, sniper training, and bomb disposal. This initiative is designed to transform police officers into highly capable first responders during critical security breaches.

Integrating aerial evacuation capabilities into urban architecture is a proactive step toward resilient city planning in high-density zones.
Did You Know?: Helipads on skyscrapers are not just for luxury transport; they are critical assets for 'Medevac' (medical evacuation) during life-threatening emergencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why does the government want to mandate helipads on high-rises?
The primary goal is to provide a rapid evacuation route for citizens during emergencies like fires or security threats where traditional exits may be blocked.

2. What new training are the police officers receiving?
Officers are receiving specialized training from the NSG in counter-terrorist interventions, drone operations, and tactical hostage negotiations.