Pune : Five new fire stations to come up in city soon
Pune Fire Dept Battles Technical Glitch As Emergency Calls Redirected to Neighboring Cities ( Representational Image )
The Pune Municipal (PMC) Commissioner Vikram Kumar announced Pune City’s proposed budget for the years 2024–25 on Thursday, March 7, 2024, totalling a significant amount of Rs 11,601 crore. The budget has substantially increased by Rs 2086 crore from the previous year’s budget.
In the announcement, Commissioner Vikram Kumar outlines several key initiatives for the upcoming fiscal year. One major highlight is the commissioning of five new fire stations in various areas: Baner, Kharadi, Bavdhan, Mohammadwadi, and Dhayari. These additional fire stations are important to accommodate Pune City’s expanding boundaries and include previously unincorporated areas within the municipal limits.
Furthermore, Vikram Kumar announced plans to procure two high-rise firefighting and rescue vehicles with a 24-metre-tall ladder. Additionally, the PMC aims to increase its firefighting capabilities by recruiting 200 new fire personnel.
Devendra Potphode, Chief Fire Officer, PMC and PMRDA said, “The plan will be implemented within this year. Moreover, we will purchase high-tech vehicles for highrise buildings and hazardous emergencies. This decision was taken after the tanker spilling incident at Yerwada. For now, this equipment is only available in nearby cities like Mumbai and we are planning to have our own now. Additionally, till now over 167 people have been recruited and 200 will be recruited soon considering the new fire stations.”
With an aim towards the development of infrastructure and facilities for the fire department, the civic body is constructing a new administrative building in Guruwar Peth. This building will house advanced training sections, classrooms, and stimulators to provide comprehensive training to the firefighters.
Acknowledging the importance of equipping the fire department adequately, an official of PMC emphasised the allocation of special funds for procuring necessary equipment. Following this, the PMC has also initiated a survey to identify additional localities that would benefit from the establishment of new fire stations.
