Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Aug 5: Goa has strengthened its firefighting and emergency response capabilities with the induction of an 18-vehicle fleet worth around Rs 22.8 crore, including new fire tenders, a specialised hazardous materials response vehicle and a 42-metre turntable ladder for high-rise rescue operations.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant flagged off the new fleet at the Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) headquarters at St Inez, Panaji, on Tuesday. He said the induction was part of the State government's efforts to modernise emergency services and improve disaster preparedness.
The fleet, procured through funding from the 15th Finance Commission and the Goa government, comprises eight mid-sized water tenders, one Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Response Vehicle, one 42-metre Turn Table Ladder (TTL) and eight motorcycles for operational support.
Officials said the induction was among the largest investments made in the DFES operational infrastructure in recent years and would improve response times while strengthening firefighting, rescue and disaster management capabilities across the State.
Of the eight mid-sized water tenders, five built on Tata BS-VI chassis at a cost of Rs 5.43 crore have been deployed at the Canacona, Curchorem, Vasco, Pilerne and Pernem fire stations. Three additional tenders, costing Rs 4.49 crore and funded by the State government, have replaced ageing vehicles at the Margao, Ponda and Vasco fire stations.
The Directorate has also inducted a specialised Hazmat Response Vehicle costing Rs 5.39 crore under the 15th Finance Commission. The vehicle is equipped to respond to chemical spills, industrial accidents and other hazardous incidents, and carries specialised protective equipment, hydraulic rescue tools, breathing apparatus and an ultra-high-pressure firefighting system.
The highlight of the new fleet is the 42-metre Turn Table Ladder, procured at a cost of Rs 11.41 crore. Mounted on an Eicher chassis, the aerial platform features a hydraulically operated 360-degree rotating extendable ladder with a rescue cage, enhancing the department's ability to carry out firefighting and rescue operations in high-rise buildings.
Eight motorcycles have also been inducted to improve mobility for inspections and operational duties at fire stations across Goa.
The DFES said all newly inducted firefighting vehicles have been fitted with GPS-based tracking systems, enabling the State Fire Control Room to monitor vehicle movement in real time, optimise dispatch and improve coordination during emergencies.
Speaking at the event, Sawant said the government remained committed to strengthening frontline emergency services through sustained investment in modern equipment and technology.
"The induction of these modern firefighting and support vehicles will significantly improve our preparedness to respond to fires, disasters and other emergencies while ensuring better protection of lives and property across Goa," he said.
DFES Director Nitin Raiker said the new fleet would substantially enhance the department's operational readiness and enable quicker and more efficient responses to urban fires, hazardous material incidents and disaster situations.
The Directorate said it would continue upgrading its infrastructure and adopting advanced technologies to meet the State's growing emergency response requirements.