Building Pune: State-of-art disaster control room coming in Pune, to play key role during attacks

A dedicated 50-member team will be deputed round the clock to keep a check on activities in Pune city.

Written by Ajay Jadhav

Pune | May 8, 2025 02:09 PM IST

3 min read

A dedicated team of 50 people will be deputed round the clock to keep a check on activities in the city through a large wall TV display having live feed from the CCTV installed across the city, the officer said. (Express Photo)

Pune city will soon have its own state-of-the-art disaster management control room for tackling any possible disasters, including situations arising from terrorist attacks or those from external elements, and ensuring public safety.

The facility will be operational on the second floor of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) main building within a few months.

“The work on establishing the control room of the disaster management cell has already started and it will be completed in a couple of months. The state-of-the-art control room will improve the handling of disaster situations in the city,” said Ganesh Sonune, civic disaster management officer.

The control room will be spread in a 7,400 sq feet area and would include a conference room, advanced control room, server room, advisory room and restrooms for staff along with latest telecommunication facilities, he said.

The control room will also have a telecommunication system to take up citizen’s complaints and direct it to quick response teams for swift action.

“The mock drill that was carried out in the city on Wednesday gave us a glimpse of the operations. The disaster management cell plays the most crucial role of coordinating between various agencies for fast rescue operations. The civil defence officers have advised us to introduce additional features for more efficient functioning of the disaster management cell and effective outcome,” he said.

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The control room designed on the lines of the one set up by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will help in handling any situation of terrorist attack or attack from outside forces, fire incidents, flooding, earthquake, accidents or any other disaster situation, Sonune said.

Rashmee Lokhande, Chief Officer of Disaster Management Department of BMC, said that their control room has been effective during many situations, including Mumbai terrorist attacks, flood situations and other disasters.

“The PMC approached us to set up a state-of-art disaster management control room and we have provided them with all possible guidance. This will help them handle situations effectively in time of need in Pune,” she said.

The BMC control room has two different telecommunication systems as an alternative, Hotline to authorities concerned, faster internet connectivity, TV wall with live feed of CCTV installed and plan to procure satellite phones.

Ajay Jadhav

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, Pune, a role that reflects his seniority and editorial Authority. He is a highly specialized journalist whose work demonstrates significant Expertise in the critical areas of urban development, governance, and sustainability, often linking policy to its on-the-ground impact across Maharashtra. Expertise Senior Editorial Role: As an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Ajay Jadhav contributes to the editorial direction and maintains high standards of Trustworthiness and quality in his reporting. Core Specialization: His reporting focuses intensely on the intersection of infrastructure, politics, and social development, with expertise in: Infrastructure and Civic Issues: Provides in-depth coverage of crucial development and urban governance topics. His work includes reporting on the glaring contrast between planned infrastructure projects (like private helipads) and the lack of basic facilities (schools and hospitals) in politically significant areas, highlighting accountability gaps. Politics and Governance: Consistently reports on political developments, scrutinizing decision-making that affects public life and development initiatives in Maharashtra. Sustainable Development & Environment: Demonstrates a commitment to responsible development by reporting on initiatives that successfully protect the environment while ensuring essential infrastructure development. Investigative and Policy Impact: National Impact: Ajay has written notable research articles on Conservancy staff which achieved a nationwide impact by directly contributing to the framing of policies aimed at improving the working conditions of waste-handling laborers. This demonstrates his capacity for impactful, evidence-based journalism. Additional Interests Personal Engagement: His background as a trekker and sports enthusiast suggests a keen personal interest in the environment and outdoor spaces, which likely informs his detailed and passionate reporting on sustainable development and civic issues. Ajay Jadhav's sustained focus on governance, his track record of high-impact policy-shaping research, and his critical eye for infrastructure gaps establish him as a trusted and authoritative source for news and analysis in Pune and Maharashtra. ... Read More

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