Southern States - Tamil Nadu

High-power commission on fire safety likely

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI APRIL 24. The State Government is considering setting up a high-power commission to get recommendations for a proper and regulated fire and rescue service and for fire safety, the Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, told the Assembly today.

Moving the demands for grants for the Fire and Rescue Services department, she said the Government was aware that sanctioning more fire service stations alone was not a solution to meet the challenges of a fast-growing society. Many areas of the government, public and private sectors had a role to play.

Also, the Fire Service Act and related legislation needed revision. Many government schemes had to be dovetailed with fire safety and rescue measures. The activities of non-governmental organisations had to be harnessed in these areas and town planning regulations might need modification.

It was for studying these that the Government was contemplating the setting up of the Commission.

It was also examining a proposal to bring in safety regulations in the manufacture, sale, storage and use of firecrackers during Deepavali.

The Chief Minister said it was decided to procure VHF hi-band wireless sets with repeaters including mobile sets, static sets and walkie-talkie for the department at an estimated cost of Rs.155 lakhs and nine HF sets costing Rs.16.06 lakhs to strengthen the communication network and reduce the response time.

Also, three water lorries, 12 ambulances, a wireless car and two motorcycles were to be procured to replace the condemned ones.

The Government decided to purchase a Small Foam Tender with accessories for the Egmore Fire and Rescue Services station at an estimated cost of Rs.128.94 lakhs.

Police Training Academy

Moving the demands for grants for the State police, the Chief Minister said a new training academy would be set up at Oonamancherry (off Vandalur, near Chennai) at a cost of Rs.51 crores.

The first phase of the project would be taken up in 2002-2003 at a cost of Rs.19 crores. The Police Training College/Academy would be reorganised to make it a centre of excellence in the region.

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