We handled 7/11 effectively: WR to HC

Mumbai, Sep 14 (UNI) While claiming that it handled 7/11 blasts effectively, the Western Railway (WR) today submitted before the Bombay High Court that they have already a comprehensive disaster management plan in place for all types of emergencies.

This was told in an affidavit filed by Samir Lohani, Sr Divisional Safety Officer of WR to a division bench comprising Justices R M Lodha and S A Bobde on a public interest litigation (PiL) filed by Dr Sarosh Mehta alleging that the Western Railways needed a proper disaster management plan after the 7/11 blasts that rocked the city.

A social activist Mr Sudhir Badhani had also wrote a letter to the Chief Justice submitting a set of guidelines that could be used by the railways for better disaster management.

While the court today asked the Railways to consider the guidelines and suggestions made in the letter and file its say in two weeks, the Railways submissions today stated that they did not need another plan as they already had their Disaster Management Plan in place along with a Crisis Management Contingency Plan 2006 issued by the Railway Board after the blasts.

WR, also submitted that they had beefed up the disaster management plan further after the blasts and they had now more co-ordination between the departments, staff and the government agencies including the police and hospitals.

Also, they had effectively handled the disaster of 7/11 and the victims were taken to the nearest hospitals while the train services were resumed in minimum possible time.

Mr Lohani further stated that they had trained staff and provision for first aide at the stations as well as with the train guards on the locals. Also, they had adequate financial provision for such disaster management.

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