Anantapur, April 17: In a pioneering move for police welfare and road safety, the Anantapur district police in collaboration with Discover Anantapuram, a local NGO led by Anil Kumar, has launched Andhra Pradesh’s first-ever Helmet Bank and Hydration Bank exclusively for the police force.
Spearheaded by Superintendent of Police Mr. Jagadeesh and social activist Anil Kumar, this initiative is aimed at ensuring every uniformed police officer wears a helmet before stepping out of the station. The Helmet Bank provides quality helmets, with khaki-colored helmets for male officers and pink ones for female personnel, bringing both function and thoughtful design to the forefront.
Addressing the increasing heat levels in the region, the Hydration Bank includes strategically placed refrigerators stocked with chilled drinking water, electrolyte beverages, and glucose-based drinks. These hydration points ensure that police personnel stay refreshed and hydrated during long hours of duty under the sun.
Speaking at the inauguration event, SP Jagadeesh applauded the efforts of Discover Anantapuram, highlighting their consistent support across various initiatives – from cybercrime awareness campaigns to this groundbreaking safety and wellness program.
Anil Kumar emphasized that this initiative will roll out in three phases. “The first phase focuses on police personnel. In the second phase, Helmet Banks will be made available to the general public, particularly targeting citizens heading onto highways. The third phase will expand further into public road safety measures,” he stated.
To maintain hygiene, every officer is provided with a disposable surgical cap to be worn under the helmet. All helmets are sanitized regularly to ensure cleanliness and safety.
This is a first-of-its-kind initiative across India where an NGO and a police department have come together to implement such an integrated Helmet and Hydration Bank – setting a benchmark for law enforcement support systems nationwide.