LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh Police’s emergency response service, UP-112, witnessed a massive surge in distress calls during the three-day Diwali festivities, with Police Response Vehicles (PRVs) remaining on their toes as more than two lakh citizens sought assistance for police-related incidents, medical emergencies, fires and other distress situations across the state between November 7 and 9.According to figures released by UP-112 headquarters on Tuesday, the emergency response service extended assistance in 2,05,738 cases during the three-day festive period, against an average of approximately 38,000 cases handled daily on normal days.The figures indicate that emergency assistance requests rose sharply during the festivities, with the highest number recorded on November 9, a day after Diwali, followed closely by Diwali itself.As per the day-wise breakup, UP-112 handled 53,264 cases on November 7, observed as Chhoti Diwali, followed by 74,816 on November 8.The number increased further to 77,753 on November 9, making it the busiest of the three days for emergency response personnel.The department said police-related emergencies accounted for the largest share of assistance requests. Approximately 41,000 police-related cases were handled on November 7, around 56,000 on November 8 and nearly 59,000 on November 9.These included situations requiring immediate police intervention, with PRV teams deployed across urban and rural areas to respond to distress calls and maintain public safety during the festivities.Apart from police-related emergencies, medical and fire incidents also kept emergency response personnel occupied throughout the three days.According to the official data, UP-112 facilitated ambulance assistance in 36,817 medical emergency events between November 7 and 9.These involved distress calls requiring medical intervention and coordination with ambulance services.Fire-related emergencies also accounted for a substantial number of incidents during the festive period. The emergency response system recorded 7,029 fire-related events across Uttar Pradesh during the three days, requiring coordination with fire and emergency services.The figures highlight the considerable pressure on emergency response agencies during Diwali, when widespread use of fireworks and increased public activity create additional challenges for police, fire and medical personnel.
Special assistance to senior citizens and women
Beyond emergency calls, UP-112 also extended assistance to vulnerable sections of society through its dedicated public welfare initiatives.Under the Savera Scheme, which provides safety, care and emergency assistance to registered senior citizens, UP-112 personnel assisted 2,018 elderly residents across the state between November 7 and 9.Officials said special attention was paid to ensuring that senior citizens received timely help according to their requirements during the festive period.Similarly, under the Escort for Women Safety initiative, PRV teams helped 11 women travelling alone reach their destinations safely after they reported being stranded without transport during late-night hours.The assistance was provided between 10 pm and 6 am, when the service operates to help women facing difficulties in finding safe transportation.
Special preparations ahead of Diwali
UP-112 officials said extensive preparations had been undertaken ahead of the festival to ensure that emergency response services remained operational and accessible throughout the celebrations.DG UP-112, Binod Kumar Singh, had issued detailed instructions on November 4 and 5 regarding festive preparedness, operational readiness and prompt response to emergency calls.Following these directions, PRV teams across the state were placed on heightened alert to respond to emergencies involving public safety, medical assistance and fire-related incidents.Officials said the objective was to ensure that Uttar Pradesh’s estimated population of 25 crore could celebrate Diwali safely, with emergency assistance readily available whenever required.The department maintained that its personnel remained deployed throughout the festivities, responding to distress calls and coordinating with other emergency services to provide timely assistance.
