Chief Minister bats for helipads on high-rises, likely to be made mandatory

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar recently urged builders and developers in the city to incorporate helipads in high-rise buildings, stating that such facilities would be made mandatory. The government will grant permission for helipads within the legal framework, as they play a crucial role during emergencies like fire mishaps or terrorist attacks.

Shivakumar made this announcement after inaugurating the National Security Guards’ specialized training program for state police. He emphasized that high-rise buildings are increasing in the city and that protecting citizens is the government's duty. In such situations, helipads would facilitate the quick rescue of lives, and the government would engage with military and air force officials for an agreement.

However, Shivakumar did not disclose further details about the agreement. He also announced a 50% increase in hardship allowance for the police, recalling his previous role as the Minister in charge of prisons, where he encountered the arduous work of the police, working day and night. Shivakumar praised the police for their loyalty and honesty in safeguarding the country's integrity, unity, and peace.

Home Minister Priyank Kharge addressed the event, highlighting the need to strengthen forensic capabilities, cyber investigations, data-driven policing, rapid response, and specialized operational capabilities. The National Security Guard (NSG) initiated a month-long specialized training program for 500 Karnataka police officers to enhance counter-terrorism and emergency response capabilities.

The training includes various operational domains, such as counter-terrorist interventions, counter-drone operations, unarmed combat, close protection, sniper training, tactical hostage negotiations, K9 operations, counter-IED operations, tactical driving, and bomb disposal. The purpose of the program is to bolster the specialized operational capabilities of officers, who are often the first responders during emergencies and security breaches.

The inauguration of the training program took place at Manekshaw Parade Ground, where the NSG showcased its capabilities in multiple operational domains, including first-responder drills by the Garuda Force and Karnataka State Police, emphasizing the significance of swift and coordinated responses during critical incidents.