Following the failure of old sirens during a recent mock drill, Dehradun is set to install 15 advanced electronic sirens to alert citizens during emergencies. The decision was taken after it was revealed that the existing sirens—procured during the 1971 India-Pakistan war—could no longer serve their purpose effectively, with sound barely reaching even 1 km.
According to Shyamendra Sahu, Deputy Controller of Civil Defence, 10 of the new sirens will have a range of 8 km, while five will be capable of covering a distance of 16 km. These sirens will be installed at police stations and posts across the city and will be integrated with the central Command and Control Centre, enabling simultaneous activation during crises.
Dehradun falls under a high-risk seismic zone and is vulnerable to various natural disasters, especially during the monsoon. Sirens play a critical role in issuing early warnings. The inadequacy of the current sirens became a matter of concern at both state and national levels. The issue was formally raised before the Director General of Civil Defence, who subsequently approved the installation of modern siren systems.
With the new sirens, authorities aim to ensure swift and effective communication during calamities, marking a crucial upgrade in the city’s disaster preparedness.
