Fire Chiefs in Noida, India has raised concerns about the Fire Brigade’s capabilities and preparedness to deal with fire emergencies. The concerns come a day after six people died in a major fire in a residential building in Meerut, Noida, south west of New Deli.
According to fire officials, the current infrastructure is inadequate, and with just four fully functional fire stations in the city at present, five new stations which are reported to be ready for operation have yet been inaugurated by the Chief Minister. After much delay, the inauguration has been finally scheduled on April 11. An official said the department had recently written to the state government demanding additional infrastructure and manpower.
The four stations are in sectors 2, 58, Phase-II and Greater Noida. These stations have a total of 22 fire tenders and just one hydraulic machine for the entire district. The five new stations are at Phase 3 (Sector 71), Noida Expressway (135), Ecotech 3, Ecotech 1 and Knowledge Park.
The department has been long demanding 160 firemen, 25 more fire tenders, six more hydraulic machines and a helicopter to tackle fire incidents in high-rises. Chief Fire Officer for Gautam Budh Nagar is Munender Tyagi. He said “Despite several reminders, no concrete action has been taken to improve fire arrangements”.
There are 81 firemen in the district at present and 40 posts are vacant. Considering the population of the city there is need of 160 firemen. The department has one hydraulic machine of 25 meter, but six more hydraulic machines, 42 and 70m in height, are required.
