PANAJI
The Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services has strengthened its rescue efficiency in the mining belt with the induction of a new fleet of vehicles on Tuesday.
During last year's cyclonic storm “Tauktae” the mining area of Dharbandora, Mollem, Sanvordem, Collem, Usgao, Kirlapal-Dabal, Sanvordem, and Curchorem were affected and the emergency responders were unable to reach out to the distressed people swiftly due to limited equipment and narrow roads.
The District Mineral Foundation (Trust) South Goa was hence requested to provide the equipment, which was promptly heeded to. On Tuesday, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant inaugurated two Quick Response vehicles (QRV) mounted with Water Mist Fire Fighting System to be deployed at Curchorem and Ponda fire stations.
Three High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Rescue Boats with life jackets, for Margao, Curchorem, and Ponda fire stations, three submersible pumps, three battery-operated lights of 32000 Lumens each and two Mahindra Bolero vehicles were also new additions to department’s existing fleet of vehicles and machinery for emergency and rescue. The entire cost of the purchases is calculated at Rs 1.42 crore approx with QRV costing highest at Rs 72.64 lakh approx.
