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Naidu Vows to Make Andhra Fire Dept National Role Model with Modern Gear

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has vowed to develop the state's Fire and Disaster Management Department into a national role model. He flagged off newly procured advanced equipment worth Rs 33.25 crore, including 25 fire tenders and 40 Quick Response Vehicles, as part of a larger Rs 252 crore modernization drive. Naidu emphasized that saving lives is the top priority and stressed the need for modern technology to meet challenges in the developing capital, Amaravati. He also directed officials to use advanced technology for lightning alerts and to focus on preventive measures and public education to reduce road accidents.

Key Points: AP CM Naidu Aims to Develop Fire Dept as National Role Model

  • Rs 252 cr modernization plan
  • 25 advanced fire tenders flagged off
  • Focus on Amaravati high-rise safety
  • Tech alerts for lightning deaths
  • Shift to accident prevention
2 min read

Andhra: Chandrababu Naidu vows to make Fire Dept a role model

Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu flags off Rs 33 crore advanced fire tenders & equipment, prioritizing life-saving modern tech for Amaravati.

"saving lives must remain the top priority - Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu"

Amaravati, April 7

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday said that the Andhra Pradesh Fire and Disaster Management Department will be developed into a role model for other states in the country.

He flagged off newly inducted advanced fire tenders and equipment at parade grounds here.

As part of the department's modernisation initiative taken up at a cost of Rs 252.93 crore, the government has introduced new vehicles and equipment valued at Rs 33.25 crore.

In the first phase, the state government procured 25 advanced fire tenders at Rs 18 crore, 40 Quick Response Vehicles equipped with high-pressure pumps at Rs 10 crore, 50 inflatable rubber boats acquired at Rs 2.49 crore, and 30 Breathing Apparatus set compressors procured at Rs 2.08 crore.

Addressing the gathering after flagging off the vehicles, the Chief Minister emphasised that saving lives must remain the top priority.

He stressed the need for the Fire Department to be equipped with modern tools and technology to meet emerging challenges in view of the development of Amaravati as the capital and the construction of high-rise buildings.

He directed officials to strengthen the department by effectively utilising both central schemes and state government funds, ensuring preparedness to tackle all types of emergencies.

Home Minister V. Anitha, local MLA Sravan Kumar, Fire Services Director General P. V. Ramana, Home Department Principal Secretary Kumar Vishwajit and senior police officials participated.

Earlier, at a review meeting, the Chief Minister directed officials to use the latest technology in alerting people in advance to prevent deaths due to lightning.

He said alerts should not be limited to mobile messages. Field-level staff must also be activated and network-based alerts should inform people within specific tower locations about potential lightning risks, he added.

Regarding road accidents, the Chief Minister opined that preventive measures should be taken up instead of only strict enforcement. He also stressed the need for educating the public.

He said awareness on helmet usage and traffic rules must be strengthened.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good initiative, but I hope this isn't just for show. We've seen announcements before. The real test is maintenance and training. Will the staff know how to use these advanced tenders? And what about fire safety in old markets and residential areas? That needs attention too.
R
Rohit P
Finally! Our fire department needs this upgrade badly. The quick response vehicles and rubber boats for floods are a great idea considering our state's geography. CM's point on road safety and helmet awareness is also spot on. Prevention is better than cure.
S
Sarah B
Investing over 250 crores is a significant commitment. The detailed breakdown of costs for tenders, boats, and compressors shows some planning. The network-based lightning alert system sounds innovative. Hope other states learn from this model.
K
Karthik V
While the equipment is necessary, what about increasing the number of fire stations and staff? In many towns, the nearest station is hours away. Modern tools are useless if they can't reach the disaster site in time. The government must look at holistic strengthening.
M
Meera T
Appreciate the focus on disaster management beyond just fires - lightning alerts, flood rescue boats. This is forward-thinking. Our firefighters are brave; they deserve the best tools. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳

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