PANAJI
The State has expanded its firefighting andemergency response capabilities with the induction of an 18-vehicle fleet wortharound Rs 22.8 crore, including new fire tenders, a specialised hazardousmaterials response vehicle and a 42-metre turntable ladder designed forhigh-rise rescue operations.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant flagged off thefleet at the Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services headquarters at StInez, Panaji on Tuesday, describing the induction as part of the State'sefforts to modernise emergency services and improve disaster preparedness.
The fleet, procured through funding from the15th Finance Commission and the Goa government, comprises eight mid-sized watertenders, one Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Response Vehicle, one 42-metre TurnTable Ladder (TTL) and eight motorcycles for operational support.
Officials said the addition is among thelargest investments in the DFES’ operational infrastructure in recent years andis expected to improve response times as well as strengthen firefighting,rescue and disaster management capabilities across the State.
Five of the eight mid-sized water tenders,built on Tata BS-VI chassis for Rs 5.43 crore, have been deployed at Canacona,Curchorem, Vasco, Pilerne and Pernem fire stations. Three more, costing Rs 4.49crore and funded by the State government, have replaced ageing vehicles atMargao, Ponda and Vasco.
The Directorate has also inducted aspecialised Hazmat Response Vehicle, procured for Rs 5.39 crore under the 15thFinance Commission. Equipped to handle chemical spills, industrial accidentsand other hazardous incidents, the vehicle carries specialised protectiveequipment, hydraulic rescue tools, breathing apparatus and anultra-high-pressure firefighting system.
The biggest addition is a 42-metre Turn TableLadder, costing Rs 11.41 crore, which will enhance the department's ability toconduct firefighting and rescue operations in high-rise buildings. Mounted onan Eicher chassis, the aerial platform features a hydraulically operated360-degree rotating extendable ladder with a rescue cage.
Eight motorcycles have also been added toimprove mobility for inspections and operational duties at fire stations acrossthe State.
“All newly inducted firefighting vehicles havebeen fitted with GPS-based tracking systems, enabling the State Fire ControlRoom to monitor vehicle movement in real time, optimise dispatch and improvecoordination during emergencies,” the DFES said.
Speaking at the event, Sawant said thegovernment remained committed to strengthening frontline emergency servicesthrough sustained investment in modern equipment and technology.
“The induction of these modern firefightingand support vehicles will significantly improve our preparedness to respond tofires, disasters and other emergencies while ensuring better protection oflives and property across Goa,” he said.
DFES Director Nitin Raiker said the new fleetwould substantially enhance the department's operational readiness and enablequicker, more efficient response to a range of emergencies, from urban fires tohazardous material incidents and disaster situations.
The Directorate said it would continueupgrading its infrastructure and adopting advanced technologies to meet theState's growing emergency response requirements.
