The fire that broke out in a Ludhiana plastic factory recently, killing at least 13 people, including nine firemen, has exposed the loopholes in Punjab’s fire fighting and disaster management system. This is despite the state government’s claims to have come up with a separate fire directorate, introduction of hi-tech facilities and various fire stations at the district level.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh rushed to the spot to supervise the fire fighting operations. After visiting the spot, the CM admitted that he was highly perturbed to see firemen using wet sacks and scarves on their heads during the rescue and relief operations. These men risk their lives for the sake of the people, he pointed out, adding that it was the duty of the government to ensure that they do not lack basic facilities to carry out their difficult and challenging work. The CM said he was also aware about the severe staff shortage faced by the department, which was trying to make do with inadequate men and material even in emergency situations like the Ludhiana tragedy.

Amarinder Singh even ordered immediate release of funds for the uniforms of fire department personnel in a bid to improve the functioning of the department. He also asked the Local Government minister Navjot Singh Sidhu to assess how insurance cover can be provided to the firemen.

The CM said his government was taking all possible steps to improve the infrastructure of the fire department. “A directorate of fire services was established earlier this year and 69 fire brigades were purchased and distributed to the municipal corporations and municipal councils. Another 27 fire brigades are in the pipeline and would come by December”, he said. The new Fire Safety Act was under formulation and would be ready by December, added the CM.

The directorate of fire services and the Fire Safety Act will check unauthorised buildings and those lacking in fire safety norms, said  Amarinder Singh, adding that adequate equipment for the fire stations would be made available under the Fire Directorate, which will be headed by an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer.

Navjot Singh Sidhu pointed out that the previous SAD-BJP government had failed to do anything for the department, spending only Rs 13 crore on its equipment and upgradation out of a budget of Rs 90 crore.

Staff and equipment shortage is a major challenge before the state’s Local government department. Most of the newly introduced fire tenders are lying idle in the absence of drivers at various fire stations in districts. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator from Sunam and party co-president Aman Arora has already written to Sidhu asking him to provide staff for the fire brigade department.

Arora said the staff is needed so that the fire vehicles sent to the city four months back can be utilised. Arora in his letter said even after repeated reminders to the concerned officers, nothing has been done to provide staff . Arora said Sidhu provided fire vehicles to the city on demand but due to lack of drivers and other support staff the vehicles are now just a liability for the department. “A number of fire incidents were reported in the last few months in the city and surrounding areas but even despite the availability of vehicles, the office was helpless. I hope that the minister will look into the matter and do needful in this regard,” said Arora.

As per information available with the local government department, 68 fire tenders have already been provided to the fire service stations in various districts. Adding to it, 28 more fire tenders have been sanctioned for the remaining stations. The officers said at least 500 fire tenders will be required all over the state which has a population of 2.77 crore. A fund of Rs 50 crore has been approved to buy 100 more fire tenders. The state earlier had 195 fire tenders out of which 114 had outlived their utility. Officials said a fire tender for every 50,000 population is required. At present only Mohali is equipped with modernised fire tenders having hydraulic stairs necessary for high rise buildings.

In Patiala, the hometown of Amarinder Singh, shortage of staff and non-functional hydrants are crippling the fire department. Sources said, the shortage of water-filling points in the city and leakage from tanks of fire vehicles are among the major challenges. Similarly, In Sangrur, the fire station has over 26 sanctioned posts out of which half have been  lying vacant for several years.