Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday flagged off 46 new quick-response firefighting vehicles for fire units in different districts of the state.
Shimla has received nine vehicles, followed by Kangra with eight. Mandi and Solan have been given five vehicles each. Hamirpur, Una, Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti have received three each. Sirmaur, Bilaspur and Kullu have been allocated two each, while Kinnaur has received one vehicle.
Sukhu said the safety of people remains a top priority for the state government. He said better firefighting and emergency response services are important for dealing with fires, disasters and other emergencies quickly. The process to purchase another 37 firefighting vehicles is also underway.
The Chief Minister said the government is focusing on expanding and upgrading firefighting services across Himachal Pradesh. A budget of Rs 65.33 crore has been approved for this purpose. During 2024-25, 22 firefighting vehicles were purchased at a cost of Rs 9.60 crore and sent to the respective fire units.
Sukhu said the government wants modern firefighting and emergency services to be available across the state. He said the Fire Services Department is being equipped with new technology, better equipment and trained personnel. Fire stations, fire posts, vehicles, equipment and manpower will be increased in the coming years based on the needs of different areas.
The Chief Minister said work is also underway to improve firefighting infrastructure. The Fire Post building at Bijhri has been completed at a cost of around Rs 4.85 crore. Sub-Fire Station buildings at Nadaun and Indora are being built at a cost of Rs 3.5 crore each. Another Rs 3 crore has been sanctioned for a Sub-Fire Station at Kandaghat. He said eight water tenders worth Rs 3.85 crore are being purchased for newly set up and upgraded sub-fire stations and fire posts.
Sukhu said new fire posts and stations are being added to improve the reach of firefighting services. Tahliwal in Una district has been upgraded to a Sub-Fire Station, while a new fire post has been set up in the Changar area of Kangra district.
The Chief Minister said 754 sanctioned posts for different categories of firefighting staff have been filled to support the new fire units. He said the government is working on several fronts to improve the state's emergency response system. New vehicles, modern equipment, trained staff and stronger infrastructure are being developed to reduce the loss of lives and property during fires and other disasters.
Mayor of Shimla Municipal Corporation Surinder Chauhan, Additional Chief Secretary R D Nazeem, Director General of Home Guards Satwant Atwal, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh and senior Fire Services Department officials were present at the event.
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