Cuttack: As many as 100 Nolias (lifeguards) will be on duty in Puri in Odisha to save people from drowning at sea on Saturday, when the state celebrates Holi.
Elaborate arrangements have been taken by the state government to prevent cases of drowning after Holi. Such mishaps generally occur when revelers take a dip in water bodies to wash off colours from their bodies.
In a media release issued by the Directorate General Fire & Emergency Service, Home Guards & Civil Defence, Odisha, the major steps being taken have been highlighted. The release was issued on the behest of Debendra Kumar Swain, Chief Fire Officer, FPW, Cuttack.
“The Nolias will be deputed under the Deputy Fire Officer of Puri at the Sea Beach Outpost. In Cuttack, three additional teams, with modern floating aids and life saving equipment, will be on alert at vulnerable areas such as Gadgadia, Zobra and Debighat. There will be five well-equipped teams in Bhubaneswar for spots like Kuakhai, Balighat, Puri Canal, Balianta Siphon, Kesura, Daya and others,” the release states.
In addition to this, there will be fire patrol teams patrolling vulnerable areas across the state, particularly when people go there to bathe. Five people, with specialised skills, will be deployed at each district.
“A state control room has been set up at the headquarters of the Directorate and 236 RFM trainees will remain prepared at OFDRA, Bhubaneswar, to meet any challenge. Officials have already started a campaign to create awareness against consuming alcohol near water bodies and bathing indoors,” it has been stated.