Fire fighting vehicles flag off by CM Biren

Last Updated on February 17, 2023 by SPN Editor

CM N Biren on Wednesday flagged off 11 new fire fighting vehicles and other equipment of the Manipur Fire Service Department. The Chief Minister said that it was part of a precautionary measure taken up to meet any eventuality of a fire. The fire fighting vehicles are Imphal, Thoubal, Moreh, Bishnupur, Tamenglong, Jiribam, Senapati, Kangpokpi, Ukhrul, and Churachandpur.

Speaking as Chief Guest of a launching cum demonstration ceremony at Khuman Lampak, Main Gate Parking, Biren made two appeals to the people including widening bylanes and local roads to ensure that emergency vehicles like the fire service vehicles can pass through the roads in any event of an emergency and to maintain water ponds in every locality.

Emphasizing the importance of wider bylanes and local roads, the Chief Minister questioned how these enormous vehicles will drive through the narrow bylanes of our localities in Imphal and the district Headquarters in the event of a fire or emergency.

The government cannot act alone, we need the people to get involved, the Chief Minister said, urging the people to come out voluntarily and ensure that their local bylanes are widened so that at least large vehicles like the ones witnessed today can pass through.

We are in a very alarming situation, the Chief Minister said, further highlighting the lack of water due to deforestation, the drying up of rivers, and the disappearance of water bodies like ponds and lakes in the State.

During any eventuality of an inferno, we need water to pump from the water bodies like ponds and rivers but our water bodies are dying, he said, pointing out the deplorable condition of our rivers including the Imphal River.

Appealing to the people to come out and actively participate in working for the welfare of society, Biren said it is not the time to criticize others but the time to ask ourselves what we have done and contributed to society.

Informing that around 64 vehicles are in service for Fire Service across the State and that 11 new fire fighting vehicles with new sophisticated modern technology are being introduced today in the State, the Chief Minister encouraged the firemen to continue their service to the people.

Director Manipur Fire Services Themthing Ngashangva said the Chief Minister has been the backbone in the endeavor to modernize and enhance the capability of the Manipur Fire Services.

He said the Water Bowser is being introduced in the State today. The vehicle has a 12,000 KL capacity, he said, adding that due to lack of water sources especially in the Imphal city area, this vehicle had become very essential to control fire.

Foam Co2 and Crash Tender is the other vehicle being launched today, he said, adding that this is the equipment that can deal with situations arising out of inflammable substances like accidents involving oil tankers, gas bottling plants, etc.

Now with the introduction of the equipment, we are at par with any other fire service in the country, he added.

The Director also said that altogether 80 proximity fire suits among other things have also been introduced today.

The launching cum demonstration ceremony was attended by MP Rajya Sabha Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba, Ministers L. Susindro Singh, Dr. Sapam Ranjan Singh, and H. Dingo Singh, MLAs K. Robindro Singh and L Rameshwor Meetei, DGP P Doungel, ADGP Clay Khongsai among others.