UDAY SAWANT
VALPOI
The fire mishap at the liquor store of former deputy speaker Narhari Haldankar on Wednesday evening has exposed safety lapses in Valpoi town.
Two fire hydrants installed in the heart of Valpoi are out of order and this has posed a serious challenge to the fire services while dealing with fire mishaps in the town. A third fire hydrant, installed near the fire station at one end of the town, is in working condition.
According to sources, the fire hydrants were installed at two key places in the heart of Valpoi town about 20 years ago, in order to provide the fire services faster and more efficient options to tap into water supply during fire mishaps.
Sources said both fire hydrants are been out of order and the Valpoi fire station had intimated the Valpoi Municipal Council (VMC) and senior officials of the fire services several times in the past, but nothing had been done in the matter.
Locals said when the fire broke out in the liquor store of Haldankar, fire fighters had faced difficulties in getting water for the fire tenders.
“Had the fire hydrants been in working condition, the fire tenders would have had faster access to water supply at the fire hydrant installed near the house of Dr Dalal and firefighters may have extinguished the fire faster, thereby saving more property,” said one resident.
“In case of a major fire in Valpoi town, it is very important to have fire hydrants in proper working condition,” the resident added.
Yashwant Gawas, a prominent lawyer in Valpoi, said the Valpoi fire station needs to be equipped with all facilities in dealing with fire mishaps in the town.
“The fire mishap on Wednesday evening has raised several questions about facilities to combat a fire in Valpoi. The government and VMC must be more serious in ensuring proper working fire hydrants, to protect the lives of people and property from fire mishaps,” he said.
Another Valpoi-based advocate, Rajan Sawaikar, felt the major fire on Wednesday would have been extinguished faster if the fire hydrants were in working condition in Valpoi. “Although, the fire station is fully capable in Valpoi, it is imperative to create proper facilities for them,” said Sawaikar.
When contacted, Valpoi Fire Officer Shripad Gawas said making arrangements for water supply is a time-consuming process. “It is essential that water supply is available quickly and efficiently for the fire tenders and hence, it is vital for fire hydrants to be in proper working condition in Valpoi town,” he said.
