Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Majhi on Saturday outlined several new initiatives to enhance operational readiness of firefighters in Odisha.
Speaking at the 61st Firefighters’ Convocation Ceremony at Baramunda Fire Training Centre here, the CM announced a state-of-the-art simulator to enhance the quality of training for firefighters. “This simulator to be established at a coast of Rs 10 crore will enable firefighters to train for challenging situations with advanced techniques,” he said.
Majhi further informed that a national-level Water Efficiency and Life-saving Training Centre, with an investment of Rs 12 crore, will soon become operational at Ramchandi, Konark. In addition, a Scuba Diving Training Centre will also be set up at a cost of Rs 10 crore at the same location to train police, fire service, and home guard personnel engaged in rescue operations.
Describing firefighters as “the face of the government in times of danger”, he assured full support to make the Odisha Fire Department a world-class force in disaster management. He also lauded the Odisha Fire Services for achieving international acclaim, ranking among the top three in the country, and commended their outstanding role during this year’s Rath Yatra.
In the past year, 911 vacant posts in the fire department have been filled with this passing-out parade, while recruitment for another 300 posts is underway and will be completed by December, he informed.
Highlighting the department’s achievements, the Chief Minister said that 346 fire stations in the state responded to nearly 50,000 emergency calls, saved 7,599 lives, and rescued 17,000 people in the last one year. He also directed the department to launch a state-wide awareness campaign on water safety, especially among students, by promoting swimming lessons.
He also suggested that all fire stations should be equipped with first-aid kits and modern stretchers to save lives during the “golden hour.”