Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 17 November 2023
In the wake of two major fire accidents during Diwali, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, the Member of Parliament for Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has petitioned the Hon’ble Lt. Governor to fortify Andaman and Nicobar Fire Service Department, citing concerns about future fire-related catastrophes.
Expressing distress over the recent incidents in Phoenix Bay and Dairy Farm areas of Port Blair, Sharma emphasised the substantial property loss, valued at several lakhs, and its adverse impact on numerous families.
While commending the prompt response of the Fire Service Unit that curtailed the fires’ spread, Sharma stressed the strain on the existing infrastructure, pointing to the simultaneous occurrence of these accidents as a warning sign.
Currently, the Andaman and Nicobar Fire Service operates through 24 strategically positioned fire stations with approximately 638 personnel. However, a notable shortage exists with only around 400 firefighters actively engaged, reflecting a significant staffing deficit across various positions.
Highlighting the reported abolition of 188 positions exacerbating the staffing issue, the Member of Parliament underscored how this shortage has impeded the Fire Service’s operational efficiency, posing challenges in managing emergencies effectively.
Sharma urged the Hon’ble Lt. Governor to reinstate abolished positions and recruit additional personnel to bolster the Fire Service Unit’s effectiveness. He emphasised the necessity of modernising equipment, stressing, “Investment in vehicles equipped with state-of-the-art firefighting technology is crucial for swift responses to fire threats.”
The MP’s appeal extends beyond staffing concerns, focusing on upgrading both manpower and resources to ensure the Fire Service’s readiness for future challenges.