Home Guards May Be Deployed; Private Bus Operations to Be Fully Utilised to Ensure Public Convenience
Munish Sood
Mandi
The Mandi district administration has placed all departments on high alert in view of the proposed strike by HRTC drivers and conductors, with comprehensive contingency measures being put in place to ensure uninterrupted public transport and maintain law and order.
A high-level review meeting was chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner Gursimar Singh on Wednesday to assess preparedness across departments. The meeting was attended by Additional District Magistrate Dr. Madan Kumar, Additional Superintendent of Police Abhimanyu Verma, all Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs), and HRTC regional managers, who joined virtually.
The discussions centred on maintaining continuity of public transport services, strengthening law and order arrangements, and ensuring adequate alternative mobility options for commuters in case of disruption.
ADC Gursimar Singh said the administration’s foremost priority is to ensure that citizens do not face any inconvenience in commuting and that essential services remain unaffected. He added that buses scheduled to operate from Thursday morning would be allowed to run without obstruction.
Stressing that any industrial action must remain peaceful, he said public services should not be impacted under any circumstances. He directed all SDMs to maintain close coordination with HRTC authorities and ensure timely preventive arrangements at the local level.
To strengthen alternative transport support, the administration has decided to ensure full-scale operation of private bus services across the district. Special monitoring mechanisms will be implemented in areas with high dependence on HRTC routes. The ADC also urged private educational institutions to extend voluntary support by making school buses available for public use, if required.
Reiterating that maintaining law and order remains a top priority, he instructed all field officers to ensure seamless coordination among departments so that essential services are not disrupted. Detailed contingency plans have been activated to address any situation arising out of the proposed strike.
Security arrangements have also been significantly strengthened, with police personnel to be deployed round the clock at bus stands, HRTC workshops, depots, and other sensitive locations. Regular patrolling will be intensified to ensure peace and public safety.
Singh further stated that Home Guard personnel may be deployed, if necessary, to support bus operations and ensure that commuters do not face transportation difficulties. He affirmed that the district administration is fully prepared to handle any eventuality and remains committed to ensuring uninterrupted public convenience.
