Jaipur: The recent tragic fire incident on Ajmer Road resulted in multiple fatalities and revealed significant deficiencies in emergency response protocols. In light of this, the Rajasthan Police have launched an SOS panic button feature on the RajCop mobile application to facilitate immediate assistance during emergencies. This proactive measure is designed to bolster public safety and address shortcomings in emergency services.

The Ajmer Road Incident: A Sobering Reflection of Systemic Weaknesses

On December 20, a severe fire erupted on Ajmer Road, claiming numerous lives and leaving many others in critical condition. This event has deeply affected the entire state, sparking serious concerns regarding the effectiveness of emergency response systems.Reports indicate that victims attempted to use the emergency helpline number 112 during the crisis, but overwhelming call volume prevented successful connections. This delay in emergency support proved disastrous, underscoring the urgent need for a more resilient and accessible emergency response framework.

Launch of SOS Panic Button on the RajCop App

In response to these challenges, the Rajasthan Police have introduced the SOS panic button feature on the RajCop app. This capability enables users to send an immediate distress signal to the control room, facilitating a quicker and more effective emergency response.

How Does the SOS Panic Button Function?

The SOS panic button is crafted to be straightforward and user-friendly, ensuring accessibility for all individuals.

1. Install the RajCop App: Users are required to download the RajCop app onto their smartphones.

2. Activate the Panic Button: In an emergency situation, pressing the panic button triggers an alert to the control room.

3. Direct Connection to Control Room: The alert encompasses the user's location and relevant details, allowing for immediate action.

4. Rapid Response: Police personnel will quickly reach out to the user and dispatch assistance.

5. Real-Time Tracking: Users have the ability to monitor the location of the nearest emergency vehicle in real-time.

Addressing the Strain on Emergency Helpline 112

The incident on Ajmer Road highlighted the limitations of the 112 helpline due to excessive call volumes:Jaipur’s Abhay Command Center manages close to 900,000 calls per day.Across Rajasthan, the call volume escalates to 3.36 million daily.Among these, only 6,500 calls receive a response from the police.Jaipur’s control room is equipped with merely 30 call trackers, while other areas function with just 10 to 15 trackers, which limits their responsiveness significantly.Across Rajasthan, the call volume reaches 33.61 lakh per day.Out of these, only 6,500 calls receive a police response.Jaipur’s control room has just 30 call trackers, while other regions operate with 10–15 trackers, limiting their capacity to respond effectively.

Why Was the SOS Feature Needed?

The ever-increasing call traffic on 112 made it clear that a more efficient and reliable system was necessary. The SOS panic button aims to:

1. Reduce response time.

2. Provide a direct and seamless connection to emergency services.

3. Ensure live tracking of emergency vehicles for better coordination.

Benefits of the SOS Panic Button

1. Quick and Effective Assistance: Resolves issues of call delays.

2. Direct Communication: Immediate connection with police personnel.

3. Real-Time Tracking: Users can monitor emergency vehicle locations.

4. User-Friendly Interface: Designed for easy navigation.

5. Time-Saving: Bypasses call queues, ensuring immediate action.

RajCop App: A Game-Changer for Public Safety

The SOS panic button is part of the Rajasthan Police’s broader efforts to leverage technology for public safety. The RajCop app provides citizens with a direct line to emergency services, fostering a sense of security and trust.

Challenges in Implementation

While the initiative is commendable, several challenges remain:

1. Statewide Awareness: Spreading awareness about the SOS feature across Rajasthan.

2. Staffing Issues: Increasing the number of personnel in control rooms.

3. Technical Upgrades: Enhancing app functionality and infrastructure.

Expectations from the Initiative

This move is expected to significantly improve emergency response times and ensure timely assistance for those in need. By addressing systemic flaws, the Rajasthan Police aim to rebuild public confidence in emergency services.