Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has finalised the Master Plan for fire-fighting measures in high-rise buildings as it is all set to induct the 70-metre hydraulic platform in Fire and Emergency Service fleet. Similarly, to cut down the response time during emergencies, 11 new fire brigade stations will be set up in the city. The civic body had placed order for one 70 metre hydraulic platform that would be of great help in carrying out fire-fighting operations in high-rises. Currently, the number of high-rises is increasing rapidly and hence comprehensive guidelines were framed by officials of F&ES as a response to tackle fires, evacuation of trapped persons and other modalities. At present, Fire Brigade has one 42 metres high turn-table ladder and 32 metres high hydraulic platform.

 

Post induction of the 70 metre platform, the force will be well-equipped to reach great heights during emergency operations. Chief Fire Officer B P Chandankhede submitted the Fire-Fighting Plan to Municipal Commissioner Dr Abhijeet Chaudhari and briefed him about it. The same was later approved by the latter. As to need for more stations, Chandankhede explained that population in city is rising. The population density within the old localities is increasing rapidly even as horizontal and vertical expansion goes on unabated. Meanwhile, NMC has approved 14 new water tenders for staffing Wathoda, Punapur and Panchpaoli stations at cost of Rs 16.49 crore. In addition, water bowsers are being inducted of different capacity 16,000 litres (5), 5,000 litres (3) and 2,000 litres (6). These water bowsers will multiply the fire-fighting capacity and enable quick dousing of flames with use of high pressure sprayers. The bowsers as per their capacity can be deployed at fire fighting sites as per status of fire and they would double up the resources at disposal at the site.