Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jul 10: Home minister Dr G Parameshwara announced that fire stations have been sanctioned for Mulki and Kadaba taluks, with construction work set to commence shortly.

Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony for the new Ullal fire station building held at Pajir on Wednesday, the Minister said that Rs 50 crore has been approved for the purchase of new emergency vehicles for the fire and emergency services department. Due to regulations prohibiting the use of vehicles older than 15 years, many fire department vehicles had become obsolete, necessitating the purchase of new ones, he explained.

A 90-metre tall aerial ladder has also been procured for the department, which will enable quicker access to accident sites in high-rise buildings. Modernisation and infrastructure development will further aid in effectively managing emergencies, he added.

The Minister noted that since the Mangaluru division houses petroleum and oil companies, chemical industries, and a port, the fire department is being strengthened to handle related emergencies. He also mentioned that the department will be equipped to respond efficiently to natural disasters like landslides, which have occurred in several parts of the district recently.

Speaker of the Legislative Assembly U T Khader, who presided over the event, stated that the long-standing demand for a fire station in Ullal has finally been fulfilled. The Ullal fire station will be developed as a model facility, he said, adding that the police stations at Ullal and Konaje will also be newly constructed and well-equipped.

The event was attended by MUDA chairman Sadashiva, Karnataka Cashew Development Corporation chairperson Mamatha Gatti, deputy director of fire services Eshwar Nayak, and others. Chief fire officer B M Thirumalesh welcomed the gathering.