Delhi government is preparing a fire fighting master plan to prevent fire incidents. After the recent Vivek Vihar fire incident, the government has adopted a strict stance. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has given clear instructions to the concerned departments to prepare and present before them a detailed blue print including the causes of fire incidents, risk areas, shortcomings in the existing systems and concrete preventive measures within just 10 days.
He also said that quick and effective steps should be taken to make people aware about prevention of fire incidents. In fact, giving top priority to fire prevention, the Chief Minister called a high-level review meeting on Wednesday. Home and Energy Minister Ashish Sood, Chief Secretary Rajeev Verma, senior officials of Fire Department, Delhi Municipal Corporation, DDMA, Electricity and other related departments were present in this important meeting held in Delhi Secretariat. In the meeting, extensive discussions were held regarding the current scenario of fire incidents in the capital, challenges and their permanent solutions.
The Chief Minister has bluntly said that the biggest need of the hour is to make all the departments concerned strong, accountable and active at every level for the prevention of fire incidents, so that there is no room left for any kind of carelessness or laxity. Expressing deep sorrow and concern over the incidents of fire in the capital in recent times, he gave a clear warning that the officials involved in any kind of negligence in this matter will not be spared under any circumstances and strict action will be ensured against them.
In the meeting, the Chief Minister directed the fire department to increase its staff, open new fire stations and purchase modern equipment. The government will leave no stone unturned in providing the budget for this. He also issued instructions that an effective draft should be prepared after assessing such incidents in the past so that we can not only reduce the incidents of fire, but every department can take swift action when such incidents occur. If this happens, loss of life will be prevented.
The Chief Minister clearly said that coordinated efforts of departments are necessary to control fire incidents. Delhi Municipal Corporation should take care that unauthorized construction does not take place in residential areas. There should be no encroachment on roads etc. of colonies so that the movement of fire vehicles at the incident sites remains smooth. He also directed the officials of the electricity department to take special care while giving electricity connections and to continuously visit the problem areas and keep checking the electricity system there. The Chief Minister said that fire can occur due to many reasons. It is the responsibility of the government departments to control it quickly so that there is no loss of life and property. The government wants to strengthen the efficiency of all the departments, so that the incidents of fire in the country's capital are reduced and even if they occur, they can be controlled as soon as possible.
The Chief Minister said that based on the inputs received from the departments, a concrete and effective fire fighting master plan will be made so that the increasing incidents of fire during summer can be controlled quickly. A campaign will also be run to make the people of Delhi aware about fire incidents. People will be told to take fire prevention measures in their homes and outside areas. The government will also conduct mock drills in residential areas.
At the same time, Delhi Home and Energy Minister Ashish Sood said that the government will strengthen the fire department to protect the capital from fire for the next 25 years and accordingly modern equipment and machines will be provided to the department. It is also necessary to run an awareness campaign to save Delhi from fire incidents. The government will run awareness campaigns in collaboration with RWAs, markets, various organizations and religious places. To further strengthen this campaign, various departments will also be involved.
