Seeking to highlight the role citizens can play in preventing a terrorist attack, the Malabar Hill Residents’ Association (MHRA) has filed an application in the Bombay High Court.
Seeking to highlight the role citizens can play in preventing a terrorist attack, the Malabar Hill Residents’ Association (MHRA) has filed an application in the Bombay High Court to intervene in the PIL filed by the Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF).
The application filed on Thursday lists certain steps that can be taken by citizens, housing societies and local area networks to ensure better preparedness and response to such attacks.
SILF had moved HC after the November 26 terror attacks echoing the city’s frustration at the government’s inability to ensure citizens’ security. Its PIL has sought the establishment of better security measures like a Quick Response Team and a citizens’ committee to tackle terrorism.
Another PIL, filed by a city lawyer, has sought the appointment of an inquiry panel to probe the institutional failures that led to the attacks.
The application filed by MHRA seeks to micro-manage disaster preparedness at the citizens’ level. The application states that given the limitations of the government and security agencies, citizens can play a proactive role in ensuring better safety.
For instance, the MHRA already has an emergency medical service (EMS) plan and a local HAM radio service operating in its locality. MHRA states that such efforts can be replicated in other areas too.
The other measures suggested by the MHRA include a total security audit of each building to check structural features like access to fire escapes and the condition of sprinkler systems. It has also suggested that building residents be made to compulsorily participate in emergency evacuation drills to ensure that they do not panic and know exactly what to do in case of a fire, terrorist or chemical attack.
The application seeks the government’s help in ensuring that citizens are armed with information and means to protect themselves in these adverse times.
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