Swinging into action amid border tensions, Punjab Government on Friday ramped up administrative preparedness by deploying senior IAS officers across all districts and activating a high-level State Control Room to ensure seamless delivery of essential services and public safety.
Following the Chief Minister’s assurance to the people that they will not face any inconvenience, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha chaired a high-level meeting with administrative secretaries, police chiefs, and deputy commissioners. During the meeting, it was decided that each district will be overseen by a senior IAS officer responsible for closely monitoring critical services such as health, food and civil supplies, electricity, water, transport, education, and infrastructure. These officers will also coordinate with military authorities to maintain robust civil-military relations.
A State Control Room has been activated, with 15 IAS and PCS officers deputed on rotation to oversee operations, supported by nodal officers from each key department. The Home Department has been designated as the nodal agency for coordinating with the Union Government in any emergency.
Strict directions have been issued to prevent hoarding and ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities. “The Food and Civil Supplies Department has been instructed to take strict legal action against those attempting to hoard goods,” the Chief Secretary said, adding that advance funds have already been released to districts based on assessed needs.
All officers have been directed to cancel any pending leave and remain stationed in their assigned areas. “The state government is fully alert and prepared to tackle any situation. Our objective is clear — people should not suffer due to administrative delays or lack of coordination,” said Sinha.
Senior IAS officers have been deployed to key districts, including DK Tiwari in Moga, Tejveer Singh in Sangrur, Jaspreet Talwar in SAS Nagar, and Priyank Bharti in Ludhiana, among others, ensuring top-level oversight across Punjab’s 23 districts.
Fire Brigade Gears Up for Emergency Response, Leave Cancelled
Punjab Government has also moved swiftly to strengthen its emergency response mechanism, placing the state’s Fire and Emergency Services on the highest level of alert. Local Government Minister Dr Ravjot Singh announced that all leaves of Fire Brigade personnel have been cancelled with immediate effect. Officials have been directed to remain deployed round the clock, particularly at sensitive installations across the State. Calling war a “major emergency”, Dr Ravjot emphasized the critical role of fire brigades in ensuring civilian safety and managing disaster situations.
“All equipment must be checked, mock drills conducted, and seamless coordination established with the Army,” Dr Ravjot instructed, adding that officials must keep their mobile phones active and remain in constant touch with their superiors and local administrations.
Dr Ravjot said that the state government has activated every available resource to respond swiftly to any crisis. He directed Fire Brigade officials to work closely with Deputy Commissioners to position fire tenders strategically for immediate deployment.
Cabinet Ministers will also undertake inspections of fire stations and hospitals to assess ground-level readiness. Emphasis has been laid on reviewing emergency plans regularly and ensuring the availability of essential supplies and manpower.
To enhance operational efficiency, the Government will engage local vehicle repair workshops for emergency maintenance services — available round-the-clock. Fire officials have also been asked to refer to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) protocols to guide relief operations.
Additional Chief Secretary Tejvir Singh underscored the need for professional dedication, calling on officers to maintain written duty rosters and report any shortfall in equipment or manpower without delay. “We are equipped, but preparedness must be dynamic and responsive,” he said.
At the same time, the Punjab Fire Brigade Department has activated helpline 112 for immediate assistance. Additionally, contact numbers of district-level fire officers have also been released to ensure rapid public access in case of emergencies.
