Samprati Motghare
IIM graduate, Batch of 2014
The Fire Services in many States are still the concern of the resource starved local bodies. The lack of funds has been the main constraint in equipping the fire services and providing adequate fire safety cover to the population in a uniform manner. West Bengal government realizing this problem has taken many steps to improve funding and revamp fire and emergency services of the state.
New fire stations
In past 34 months, 30 new fire service centers have been sanctioned and 6 out of these newly sanctioned service stations have become operational. 9 fire stations are being constructed in rural areas.
Modern control room
To cope with emergency situations, ultra modern control rooms have been established at various centers. These centers are equipped with web based vehicle tracking system through GPS navigator, EPABX system etc. to monitor the movements of fire brigade vehicles.
Fire fighting equipment
To combat fire at congested slum areas. 36 Special fire fighting motor cycles equipped with water-mist technology and small fire brigade vehicles have been procured. 2 high powered hydraulic ladders have been imported from Finland, having a reach of up to 50 meters. 16 high-power fire-brigade vehicles, 15 mid-sized water tenders, 48 operation vehicles, 20 high power portable pumps and many other conventional firefighting equipment like smoke exhauster machines, portable lighting towers, toeing vehicles, air-compressor machines, fire-fighting trolleys with high power water-mist technology etc. have been procured.
Enhancing communication and awareness
With 200 high powered walkie-talkies and dedicated mobile phone sets, a new system interconnecting all fire stations of the state has been created. A number of functions and festivals organized by the state government have been used as a platform to educate people about fire safety.
Training
A new diploma course has been started by Fire and Emergency Services Department in association with Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management on fire management. This would help in training of fire staff and also prepare an educated manpower for other states in the field of fire services. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed with Security Sector Skill Development Council (SSSDC) to impart training to 20,000 people on security, fire-fighting and first-aid.
In the past two and a half years, there were more than 25,000 cases of fire incidents. Acting bravely during these incidents the fire and emergency services personnel have saved close to 4,500 human lives and Rs 500 crore worth of property. Also, to make it simpler for the general public to obtain the clearances required from the department, it is looking to start online initiatives.
IIM graduate, Batch of 2014
The Fire Services in many States are still the concern of the resource starved local bodies. The lack of funds has been the main constraint in equipping the fire services and providing adequate fire safety cover to the population in a uniform manner. West Bengal government realizing this problem has taken many steps to improve funding and revamp fire and emergency services of the state.
New fire stations
In past 34 months, 30 new fire service centers have been sanctioned and 6 out of these newly sanctioned service stations have become operational. 9 fire stations are being constructed in rural areas.
Modern control room
To cope with emergency situations, ultra modern control rooms have been established at various centers. These centers are equipped with web based vehicle tracking system through GPS navigator, EPABX system etc. to monitor the movements of fire brigade vehicles.
Fire fighting equipment
To combat fire at congested slum areas. 36 Special fire fighting motor cycles equipped with water-mist technology and small fire brigade vehicles have been procured. 2 high powered hydraulic ladders have been imported from Finland, having a reach of up to 50 meters. 16 high-power fire-brigade vehicles, 15 mid-sized water tenders, 48 operation vehicles, 20 high power portable pumps and many other conventional firefighting equipment like smoke exhauster machines, portable lighting towers, toeing vehicles, air-compressor machines, fire-fighting trolleys with high power water-mist technology etc. have been procured.
Enhancing communication and awareness
With 200 high powered walkie-talkies and dedicated mobile phone sets, a new system interconnecting all fire stations of the state has been created. A number of functions and festivals organized by the state government have been used as a platform to educate people about fire safety.
Training
A new diploma course has been started by Fire and Emergency Services Department in association with Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management on fire management. This would help in training of fire staff and also prepare an educated manpower for other states in the field of fire services. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed with Security Sector Skill Development Council (SSSDC) to impart training to 20,000 people on security, fire-fighting and first-aid.
In the past two and a half years, there were more than 25,000 cases of fire incidents. Acting bravely during these incidents the fire and emergency services personnel have saved close to 4,500 human lives and Rs 500 crore worth of property. Also, to make it simpler for the general public to obtain the clearances required from the department, it is looking to start online initiatives.
