Delhi to Expand Firefighting Infrastructure with Over 36 New Stations
In a significant move to bolster fire safety, Delhi is set to add more than 36 new fire stations to its existing network of 71, addressing a critical gap that has persisted since the last station was opened in 2011. This expansion is part of a comprehensive strategy discussed at a high-level meeting chaired by Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Thursday, aimed at strengthening the city's emergency response mechanisms.
Addressing Long-Standing Infrastructure Deficiencies
Officials highlighted that Delhi has not seen a single new fire station since 2012, labeling this 15-year stagnation as a "serious lapse" in planning for essential firefighting infrastructure. A fire department official noted that a 2011 study recommended at least 107 fire stations to effectively cover the expanding city, yet only 71 are currently operational. LG Sandhu has directed a fresh scientific assessment to determine the exact current requirements, factoring in population growth, urban density, and the rise in high-rise buildings.
Integration of Emergency Services and Operational Enhancements
The meeting also focused on integrating fire, ambulance, and Police Control Room (PCR) services onto a common emergency call number to streamline responses. Additionally, plans include increasing the number of fire subdivisions from 18 to 39 for greater operational flexibility. Sandhu emphasized the need for seamless backend integration and co-location of these services, particularly in fire-prone hotspots, to ensure faster and more coordinated emergency interventions.
Modernization and Regulatory Reforms
Reviewing the functioning of the Delhi Fire Service, LG Sandhu called for lessons to be learned from recent incidents, such as the blaze in Palam, and directed officials to modernize firefighting equipment and technology. He stressed that proposed amendments to the Delhi Fire Service Rules, 2010, should involve broad-based consultations with residents, businessmen, and traders to create an inclusive and practical framework. Aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision, Sandhu emphasized that regulations must promote "ease of living" and "ease of doing business" while ensuring robust fire safety.
Personnel and Public Awareness Initiatives
Concerned about vacant posts in the Delhi Fire Service, Sandhu urged officials to fill these positions promptly and submit a delivery timeline to his secretariat. He also reviewed the department's summer action plan, calling for heightened vigilance amid rising temperatures and a comprehensive public awareness campaign to educate citizens on preventive measures and emergency response practices.
The meeting was attended by key officials, including the chief secretary, principal secretary (home), principal director of Delhi Fire Service, and chief fire officers, underscoring the government's commitment to enhancing Delhi's fire safety infrastructure and emergency preparedness.
