In light of the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) has taken proactive measures to ensure the safety of city residents by preparing over 500 basements across the Dehradun region to serve as emergency bunkers. MDDA Vice-Chairman Banshidhar Tiwari stated that teams have been directed to ready these basements for use during any potential emergency.
The initiative covers areas across Dehradun, Pashchim Doon, and Parva Doon. During a recent MDDA meeting held on Thursday, instructions were issued to ensure that all identified basements remain completely vacant and are checked sector-wise for basic amenities. This includes the mandatory provision of cleanliness, electricity, water, and proper access through ramps.
While a basement and a bunker serve different purposes, the current strategy involves repurposing existing basement infrastructure to act as protective shelters. Basements, typically a structural part of buildings used for storage or utility, differ from bunkers, which are specially constructed, reinforced spaces designed to withstand emergencies or wartime situations. Unlike basements, bunkers are built using robust materials like concrete or steel and are often shielded from natural light and air.
Periodic inspections of basements are already part of MDDA’s routine operations, and this drive has now been intensified to ensure emergency preparedness. “Our effort is to raise awareness and enhance safety for the public,” said Vice-Chairman Tiwari, reinforcing that these basement shelters can be utilised in various emergency scenarios.
