Measures Discussed to Improve Emergency Response and Ensure Reservoir Safety

Urban expansion, technological development and climate change pose new challenges for rescue services. At the same time, the location of some fire and rescue units, as well as their buildings and equipment, does not fully meet the requirements for rapid response.

The President emphasized that saving lives should be the main priority in modernizing the system. To this end, the task was set to introduce the “golden minute” principle and reduce the arrival time of rescuers to 5-7 minutes within cities and 15-20 minutes outside urban areas.

Officials presented plans to reorganize 25 fire and rescue units in districts and cities with populations exceeding 250,000 and equip them with modern technology. They also proposed establishing Madad, a national multidisciplinary specialized rescue center capable of operating in difficult conditions, as well as an aviation rescue unit and a research center for emergency management.

Particular attention was also paid to improving the operation of the unified 112 dispatch service, monitoring the handling of requests from the moment they are received until they are completed, and strengthening information exchange between relevant services. The need for wider use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in this area was also noted.

The need to expand rescue service coverage at reservoirs was also emphasized. Of the 56 operating reservoirs, such services have been established at only four. In this regard, officials proposed establishing a professional rescue service, using the Karkidon reservoir as an example. In addition, plans include training rescue divers at a technical college specializing in rescuer training under a dual education system, as well as training employees of tourist facilities in emergency response and first aid.

The presentation also highlighted opportunities to use reservoirs for tourism. Tourism activities are currently available at five reservoirs, while another 25 have the potential to develop such services. This is expected to attract investment, create new jobs and increase tourist numbers.

The President emphasized that compliance with safety requirements is paramount. Officials proposed introducing certification for tourism services, requiring entrepreneurs to enter into agreements with professional rescue services, and equipping recreation areas with rescue boats, observation towers and water depth signs.

Measures to support entrepreneurs providing tourism services near reservoirs were also presented. These include halving land and property tax rates until October 1, 2029, and allowing customs duties on imported GPS equipment and rescue and protective gear to be deferred or paid in installments over 120 days. It was also proposed to direct funds received from the sale of land plots in these areas toward the development of external utility networks and road infrastructure.

The presentation also covered ongoing efforts to ensure the proper technical condition and safe operation of reservoirs. Specialists conducted on-site inspections of 25 reservoirs. To detect potential hazards in a timely manner, plans call for expanding the use of local warning systems, video surveillance, seismic monitoring equipment and digital monitoring tools.

At the conclusion of the presentation, the Head of State instructed responsible officials to improve the effectiveness of rescue services, establish professional rescue units at reservoirs, and introduce specific safety requirements for tourist facilities.