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

The National Security Guard personnel taking part in a demonstration during the opening ceremony of a specialised training programme for the Karnataka police officers to strengthen their counter-terrorism and emergency response capabilities, at the Manekshaw Parade Ground, in Bengaluru on Friday.

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Friday urged builders and developers in the city to dedicate space on high-rise buildings for helipads, stating that building helipads would be made mandatory.

He said the government would give permission for helipads within the legal framework as it plays vital role during emergency situations such as fire mishaps.

Mr. Shivakumar announced this after inaugurating the National Security Guards’ specialised training programme for State police that commenced on Friday.

“High-rise buildings are increasing in the city. If fire accidents or terrorist attacks unfold, protecting citizens is our duty. In such emergency situations, to save lives by using helipads, our government will hold talks with military and air force officials for an agreement,” the Chief Minister said.

However, he didn’t expand further on the nature of the agreement or the proposal. Mr. Shivakumar said that wherever there is a chance to build helipad, it would be made compulsory.

He also announced that the State government would increase the hardship allowance by 50% for the police.

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar addressing the gathering during the inauguration of the specialised training programme for Karnataka State Police, commenced by the National Security Guard, at the Manekshaw Parade Ground, in Bengaluru on Friday.

Mr. Shivakumar recalled his tenure as Minister in charge of prisons and said that he gained information about the hardships that the police face, stating that they work day and night.

“In some unfortunate incidents, there have been examples of us (politicians) blaming you. Through your loyalty and honesty, what is important is to protect the country’s integrity, unity, and peace,” he said.

“Some people mock the police work as guarding the dead. But you are serving the country. We are proud of you,” he added.

Speaking at the event, Home Minister Priyank Kharge said that there is a need to further strengthen forensic capabilities, cyber investigations, data-driven policing, rapid response and specialised operational capabilities.

“Along with adopting technology, it is important for the police personnel to possess the skills to use them effectively. The police force should continuously enhance its capabilities so that it can respond swiftly to emerging forms of crime,” he added.

The National Security Guard personnel performing during the opening ceremony of a specialised training programme for Karnataka State Police, at the Manekshaw Parade Ground in Bengaluru on Friday.

The National Security Guard (NSG) on Friday commenced a month-long specialised training programme for around 500 Karnataka police officers to strengthen their counter-terrorism and emergency response capabilities.

The training covers multiple operational domains, including counter-terrorist interventions, counter-drone operations, unarmed combat (Krav Maga), close protection, sniper training, tactical hostage negotiations, K9 operations, counter-IED operations, tactical driving and bomb disposal.

It is aimed at strengthening the specialised operational capabilities of officers drawn from various operational and support units of the Karnataka police. The NSG said the training would focus on preparing the police personnel, who are often the first responders during emergencies and security breaches.

The inauguration of the exercise, which was held at Manekshaw Parade Ground on Friday, saw the NSG demonstrating its capabilities in various operational domains. The demonstration also featured first-responder drills by the Garuda Force and Karnataka State Police, which highlighted the importance of a swift and coordinated response during critical incidents.