Smart City Mission: Hi-tech firefighting equipment worth Rs3.28 crore purchased

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, September 11

Under the Smart City Mission, new firefighting equipment worth Rs 3.28 crore have been purchased for strengthening the fire services in Ludhiana.

Cabinet Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu dedicated the modernised and advanced firefighting and rescue infrastructure here today. The minister said the state government had spent Rs 3.28 crore on purchasing hi-tech equipment, including new mini-fire tenders, materials and emergency lights under the Smart City scheme.

He said four fabricated Tata Yodha fire tenders with a cost of Rs 88.64 lakh had been purchased to cover interior and narrow areas of the city.

Ashu said water and foam would be used in the mini-tenders to douse the flames. Hi-tech pumping system had been installed in the four vehicles. Two Royal Enfield bullet motorcycles equipped with advanced firefighting technology had also been purchased, especially for congested lanes of the city.

He said three life detectors of Rs 66.02 lakh had also made available which would play a crucial role in rescuing living beings during disasters. The detectors had a sensor that would sense human beings buried under debris in collapsed buildings and help save precious lives.

The minister said 10 battery-operated combi tools of Rs 69.50 lakh had also been provided to the Fire Brigade Department which would help carry out rescue operations smoothly.

Five portable and inflatable emergency lights had also been bought at a cost of Rs 11.74 lakh, he said, adding that these lights were based on the petrol engine system.

The minister said five thermal imaging cameras of Rs 41.79 lakh had also been provided to the fire brigade. The cameras would help to see through smoke and monitor the fire’s spread and would assist in making better planning to control the fire, especially major hotspots. Hence, precious lives would be saved with these vital tools.

He stated that five aluminum firefighting suits of Rs 51 lakh had also been purchased for firemen to handle any incident easily with more stay near high temperature.

Congratulating the Smart City team of the city, he said Ludhiana had been ranked 37th on the list of Smart City rankings in the country from 54th ranking earlier.