Shillong, May 20: The East Khasi Hills district administration has directed Block Development Officers (BDOs) to strengthen awareness campaigns surrounding the Single Emergency Number ‘112’ under the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS), with the objective of improving public access to emergency services across Meghalaya.
According to an order issued by the Office of the District Magistrate, the initiative aims to expand awareness among residents in both rural and urban areas regarding the availability and functioning of the unified emergency response platform.
The Emergency Response Support System, which has been operational since 2018, brings multiple emergency services under a single helpline framework, allowing citizens to seek immediate assistance during urgent situations. Officials stated that the platform has been providing reliable services and has evolved into a fully functional emergency response mechanism operating across different regions.
The administration emphasised that the success of the emergency service depends significantly on public awareness and participation. It noted that wider outreach efforts are necessary to ensure that people understand the services available through the government-backed system and know how to access them when needed.
Officials believe that stronger awareness initiatives at the grassroots level will help build confidence in the ‘112’ emergency service while also encouraging faster reporting during critical situations. The administration observed that improving public understanding of the system could contribute to more timely responses and better emergency support delivery.
