Delhi is preparing to curb recurring fire incidents, with the fire service set for an overhaul.
New Delhi: In view of the continuing fire incidents in Delhi and the challenges faced by the fire department, the government has prepared a comprehensive action plan to strengthen the firefighting system. Under the plan, new fire stations will be set up, the number of firefighters will be increased and modern equipment will be purchased. In addition, rules will be reviewed to make sprinkler systems and fire alarms mandatory in old buildings as well.
Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood said on Tuesday that a plan to modernise the Delhi Fire Service was prepared after a review meeting held at Lok Niwas under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu. The objective is to speed up relief and rescue operations in the event of a fire and to prevent accidents.
Under the plan, there is a proposal to increase the number of sanctioned posts in the fire service and accelerate the recruitment process for station officers and firefighters. Regular physical efficiency tests of firefighters will also be conducted. Special equipment will be purchased to tackle fires caused by highly inflammable materials, and the emergency communication system will also be modernised.
New fire stations will be built to address the challenge of taking fire tenders into narrow lanes and densely populated areas. The Delhi Development Authority will provide land for this, and the Public Works Department will carry out the construction work.
The government is also considering involving qualified private-sector experts for third-party fire safety audits. Rules for installing sprinklers and alarms in existing buildings will also be reviewed. Power distribution companies will be instructed to increase network capacity to address the problem of electrical overloading.
Awareness campaigns will also be conducted in schools, colleges, markets and residential societies. The Municipal Corporation, NDMC and DDA will be given responsibility for effectively implementing fire safety standards in building construction rules and taking action against buildings that violate the rules.
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