The 112 emergency response vehicle assigned to the Goindwal Sahib police station in Tarn Taran district has remained non-operational for more than a month, as it lacks a permanent driver. This has raised serious concerns among local residents about the availability of timely emergency services in the area.
Vehicle Parked at Checkpoint
According to sources, the vehicle has been parked at the police checkpoint, unable to respond to calls. Staff members from the 112 response unit, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that they must wait for a temporary driver whenever an emergency call is received. This delay, they said, hampers their ability to provide immediate assistance, potentially jeopardizing lives.
Public Outrage
Social worker Bhupinder Singh Pump Wale criticized the situation, alleging that the emergency vehicle has become a “white elephant” due to the absence of a driver. He expressed disappointment with the Goindwal Sahib SHO’s handling of the matter. “The fact that the vehicle has remained without a driver for over a month reflects poorly on the police administration’s preparedness to provide timely emergency assistance,” he said.
Residents echoed these sentiments, stating that every minute is precious during an emergency. “If the 112 vehicle itself cannot reach on time, then what is the use of this service?” they questioned. Locals have demanded that higher authorities immediately appoint a permanent driver for the vehicle to ensure prompt emergency response.
Police Response
When contacted, SHO Baljit Kaur did not provide a satisfactory response to the allegations. However, SSP Surinder Lamba has taken cognizance of the issue. He stated that he would inquire into why the emergency response vehicle has been without a driver and seek a report from SHO Baljit Kaur. He assured that if negligence is found, responsibility would be fixed, and uninterrupted emergency services would be ensured for the public.
The incident highlights a critical gap in emergency preparedness, with residents hopeful that the administration’s intervention will restore the service quickly.
