PNS | DEHRADUN
The Fire department in Dehradun is facing a concerning shortfall in resources this Deepawali with only five functional fire tenders available to handle emergencies. This is a significant reduction from last year, when 11 fire tenders were ready for use. This raises serious concerns about the department’s ability to effectively respond to fire emergencies during Deepawali. According to the fire safety officer Suresh Chandra, six out of 11 fire tenders are now deemed unfit, leaving just five operational units. He said that an additional fire tender has been sourced from another city but due to the high requirement around Deepawali, no further units could be arranged.
The limited fire tenders are set to be deployed strategically across six primary areas, including Dilaram, Clock Tower, Pipalmandi, Sahastradhara Road, Paltan Bazaar and Dharmpur Mandi areas. Other vulnerable spots in Dehradun will also have teams stationed to facilitate rapid response in case of emergencies, he said. The reduced number of fire tenders raises concerns about potential delays and challenges in managing fires during one of the year’s busiest and riskiest times for fire incidents. Compounding this risk is the fact that the department has already issued about 650 temporary licenses for firecracker sales, with licenses available until October 30 and sales permitted till November 3.
Chandra said that the department will utilise its limited resources to ensure quick response can be provided as per the requirement. He also urged people to immediately call 112 if they spot any fire accident. Adding to the safety preparations during Deepawali, Dehradun superintendent of police (City), Pramod Kumar said that the city has been divided into seven zones, with each further divided into sectors and sub-sectors for thorough monitoring. The police have identified 16 sensitive points where security arrangements will be intensified under the guidance of the respective area in-charges and other officials concerned, he added.
