Nagpur Mayor Unveils Ambitious Plan to Enhance Fire and Emergency Services
In a significant move to address the city's growing needs, Mayor Nita Thakre announced on Monday that the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is committed to strengthening its fire and emergency services department. The announcement was made during a National Fire Service Day programme held at the NMC headquarters on Tuesday, where the mayor emphasized the urgency of bolstering emergency response systems in line with Nagpur's rapid expansion.
Master Plan for Improved Fire Coverage
Mayor Thakre revealed that the civic body has prepared a comprehensive master plan to establish 22 fire stations across Nagpur. This initiative aims to significantly improve response times and ensure better coverage for all areas of the city. Currently, Nagpur operates with only 12 fire stations, which are managed by a workforce of 120 personnel against a sanctioned strength of 872. The mayor highlighted the critical need to address this severe manpower shortage through fresh recruitment efforts to make the department more robust and effective.
Tributes and Ceremonial Events
The event served as a poignant tribute to firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Mayor Thakre, along with Municipal Commissioner Vipin Itankar, paid floral tributes to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on his birth anniversary at the NMC headquarters. They also honored the memory of fallen firefighters by laying wreaths at a dedicated memorial.
A ceremonial parade was conducted by fire personnel from the Cotton Market, Lakadganj, and Trimurti Nagar fire stations. This was followed by an impressive demonstration of emergency response drills led by Chief Fire Officer Tushar Barahate. The drills showcased various tactical operations, including middle operations, turntable ladder (TTL) exercises, oil fire response techniques, water jet demonstrations, and a 32-metre hydraulic platform operation, which captivated the attention of all attendees.
Recognition and Felicitation
The civic body screened a documentary that highlighted the bravery and sacrifices of firefighters at both national and city levels. In a heartfelt gesture, families of martyred firefighters Gulabrao Kawale, Prabhu Kuhikar, and Ramesh Thakre were felicitated with shawls, mementoes, and saplings as a mark of respect for their loved ones' service.
Additionally, several fire department personnel and staff were recognized for their exemplary service during emergencies. These individuals were particularly commended for their efforts in rescuing citizens during heavy rains and other disasters. They were awarded certificates and felicitated by Mayor Thakre for their significant contributions to public safety.
High-Profile Attendance
The event saw the presence of key officials, including Deputy Mayor Leela Hathibed, Standing Committee Chairperson Shivani Dani-Wakhare, Leader of Opposition Sanjay Mahakalkar, Municipal Commissioner Vipin Itankar, and other senior officials and corporators. Their participation underscored the collective commitment to enhancing Nagpur's emergency preparedness and honoring the valor of its firefighters.
