Nashik Municipal Corporation Accelerates Fire Vehicle Procurement for Kumbh Mela
The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has officially launched a fast-tracked initiative to procure 12 new fire tenders and six water bowsers. This strategic move is a critical component of the city's comprehensive preparations for the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela, a major religious gathering expected to draw massive crowds.
Addressing an Ageing Fleet
During a recent meeting of the civic body's standing committee, fire brigade chief Sanjay Bairagi confirmed the procurement process. The decision comes in direct response to concerns raised by committee members regarding the department's outdated fleet of firefighting vehicles.
Officials disclosed that a total of 18 vehicles—comprising the 12 fire tenders and six water bowsers—have been in service for nearly two decades. In accordance with a Maharashtra state government resolution, fire service vehicles exceeding 15 years of operational life are mandated for scrapping. These ageing units have already been withdrawn from active duty, significantly straining the department's operational capacity during a period of heightened need.
Fast-Tracked Acquisition and Funding Efforts
Chief Bairagi emphasized the urgency of the procurement, stating it is being expedited to meet the demands of the Kumbh Mela. "These new vehicles will directly replace the phased-out units. Our goal is to acquire them as soon as possible, given the extensive scale of preparations required for this major event," he explained.
In parallel, NMC Commissioner Manisha Khatri announced that the administration is drafting a special proposal to secure dedicated funding from the state government. "This proposal will specifically seek allocations for these essential new vehicles, which are vital for robust emergency management during the Kumbh Mela," Commissioner Khatri noted.
Boosting Personnel Strength
Complementing the vehicle upgrade, the Nashik Municipal Corporation is in the final stages of a major recruitment drive to bolster its fire brigade workforce. The civic body is set to onboard 186 new personnel, including:
- 150 firemen
- 36 drivers
This expansion aims to ensure adequate staffing to operate the new fleet and manage emergencies effectively during the large-scale religious festival.
The combined efforts to modernize equipment and increase manpower underscore NMC's commitment to enhancing public safety infrastructure ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, ensuring the city is well-prepared to handle any contingencies.
