Pioneer News Service
Ranchi
During a meeting of the Fire and Disaster Sub-committee of the Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FJCCI), the traders body demanded to strengthen firefighting system in the State.
There was an extensive discussion on the need to modernize the State’s firefighting infrastructure. This discussion was prompted by the rising number of high-rise buildings, densely populated markets, and increasing incidents of fire.
It was unanimously agreed that Hydraulic Aerial Ladder Platforms (HALP) should be deployed in major cities across Jharkhand, including Ranchi. This would enable effective control of fires in high-rise buildings and facilitate rapid rescue operations. Given the current pace of urbanization, such modern equipment has become essential for the state.
FJCCI Vice Presidents Praveen Lohia and Ram Bagar, Joint Secretaries Rohit Poddar and Navjot Alang, Sub-committee Chairman Rahil Zafar, and other members attended the meeting.
Concerns were also raised regarding the difficulty large fire tenders face in reaching densely populated areas and narrow lanes on time. Therefore, it was suggested that the Fire Department be equipped with fire response motorcycles and Quick Response Vehicles (QRVs), enabling personnel to reach the scene within the crucial first few minutes of an alert and take effective action.
The meeting highlighted that the initial 10 to 15 minutes of a fire incident are the most critical. The availability of modern equipment and a rapid response system could significantly minimize the loss of life and property.
The FJCCI Fire and Disaster Sub-committee urged the state government to expedite the modernization of the Fire Department, keeping in mind Jharkhand’s current and future needs, thereby further strengthening the safety of citizens, business establishments, and industrial units.
