56 fire stations sanctioned: DGP

“State government aims to set up fire service stations in all the taluk headquarters in the State. Government has given its nod for setting up 56 new stations,” said Home
Guards and Fire Service DGP Jeeja Madhavan Harisingh.

Speaking to presspersons after reviewing the fire service stations in Kodagu, she said “206 fire stations were sanctioned. Of which 150 have been started. Remaining 56 new stations will be started soon.”

“We could not open fire stations in the new district of Ramnagara, Srirangapattana of Mandya district and some taluk headquarters. In this background, it has been decided to set up fire service stations in all the district and taluk headquarters. If the district administration and other local bodies provide us the space and other basic facilities, we will take measures to set up stations which have been approved,” she added.

There was shortage of 3,000 personnel in fire service department in the last two years.

1,800 vacant posts have been filled and they are given training. They will available for service soon. The remaining 1,200 vacant posts needs to be filled. The present fire service stations have shortage of 148 water pumping engines.

Hike in honourarium

“The honourarium paid to the Home Guards personnel has been increased. They are paid Rs 150 per day and in Bangalore they are paid Rs 175.

Bangalore University, Youth Service and Sports department, Postal department and excise department had requested for the service of Home Guards for temporary basis. The department is ready to depute them, provided they pay the honourarium,” she clarified.

Home Guards personnel are given uniforms once in a year. New shoes have been distributed to them prior to the Lok Sabha election. 

Mangalore Division Fire Service Officer H S Varadarajan, and District Commandant O S Chingappa were present.