Delhi announces overhaul of fire service to address safety gaps
The plan includes new recruitment, specialised equipment, more fire stations and stricter safety rules for existing buildings, according to Urban Acres.
The Delhi government has announced a major revamp of the Delhi Fire Service to tackle emergency response challenges in the capital. Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood outlined the plan following a review meeting led by the Lieutenant Governor at Lok Niwas, according to Urban Acres.
The overhaul aims to address issues such as traffic congestion, narrow lanes, high population density, electrical overloading and the use of plastic and synthetic materials in homes. Sood said the government is performing a multi-departmental update to improve technology, increase frontline staff and resolve infrastructure issues to protect residents.
The government intends to speed up the hiring of firemen and station officers by working with the Home Department, the Services Department, the Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board and the Union Public Service Commission. The sanctioned strength of the service will increase based on a Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) report and approval from the Department of Administrative Reforms.
New firefighting equipment will be purchased through a memorandum of understanding between the Delhi Fire Service and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. The plan also includes regular fitness tests for operators and an update to the emergency communication system.
To expand coverage, the Delhi Development Authority is expected to provide land for new fire stations, which the Public Works Department will build. The government is also considering making fire alarms and sprinkler systems mandatory in existing buildings.
The Power Department will instruct distribution companies BRPL, BYPL and TPDDL to upgrade network capacity and increase sanctioned loads to prevent electrical overloading. Additionally, fire safety rules may be changed to allow private third-party auditors to perform safety audits.