PANAJI
While the Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services (DFES) is being upgraded in all aspects, the makeshift fire station at Canacona will also get a new lease of life with the department identifying land belonging to the Goa Housing Board to construct a full-fledged station.
DFES Director Nitin Raiker stated that a proposal to procure the land is submitted to the government for approval. “The Canacona Fire Station is presently functioning in makeshift premises. We have identified a land of Goa Housing Board that has agreed to provide 2275 sq mtrs for a new fire station. A proposal to purchase the land is submitted to the government for approval,” he said while speaking at the 36th Annual Inspection Day Parade at St Inez on Saturday.
He further urged the Principal Secretary (Finance) V Candavelou “ present at the event “ to look into the long-pending issue of Fire Risk Allowance to all the fire personnel as per the recommendations of the Central Seventh Pay Commission.
In his address, the director also hailed the government’s support to procure sophisticated equipment for fire-fighting and life rescue in high-rise buildings as well as for handling major disasters. “With these technological advancements in the field of fire fighting, it has resulted in better performance in saving life and property,” Raikar added.
The Inspection Day Parade is an annual event to test the overall operational fitness level of the Fire Personnel for prompt response in the event of an emergency.
The Department had organized an exhibition of Ladder Drill event which was carried out by the Fire Force Headquarters Fire Personnel crew, and executed within a timing of 1.33 mins. Various equipment related to Fire Fighting, Search & Rescue, Swift Water/Flood Rescue, Medical First Responder (MFR), Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) and lighting equipment, etc, were also on display for the general public at the Goa State Fire Force Training Ground.
