Date:16/04/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/16/stories/2008041657750600.htm

Tamil Nadu - Tiruchi

Stress laid on measures to prevent fire

Special Correspondent

— Photo: M. Moorthy

Safety matters: Collector T.Soundiah, centre, with S. Sreekumar, Airport Director, left, and K. Shivakumar, Deputy General Manager (Air Traffic Control), in Tiruchi on Tuesday.

TIRUCHI: Air travellers and the public should be sensitised on the need to take adequate precaution against fire accidents, especially in the aviation sector, speakers at the inauguration of Fire Service Week at the Tiruchi Airport said on Tuesday.

Collector T. Soundiah observed that Fire and Rescue Service was providing invaluable service through their silent behind-the-scene operation in averting fires. Alertness of the Fire Service and their role in saving lives has to be appreciated by the people. Airport Director S. Sreekumar said that the Fire Service Week observation was intended to promote awareness among the people on ways to prevent fire accidents and also to enhance the capabilities of the fire brigade. All staff of the Airports Authority of India and allied organisations would be trained in handling fire extinguishers and safety measures to be initiated during emergency situations.

An exhibition and competitions would also be organised during the week. A mock fire drill to test the preparedness of the airport’s Fire Service unit would be held.

K. Shivakumar, Deputy General Manager (Air Traffic Control), said that with the infrastructure of the aviation sector being expanded in a big way in the country, safety issues were gaining importance.

P. S. R. K. Sudhakar, General Manager (Projects), Airports Authority of India (AAI), participated.Later, Mr.Soundiah held discussions with the AAI officials on the development works being taken up at the airport.