Following the horrifying fire incident at a house in Vidhyadhar Nagar which claimed five lives, the Jaipur Municipal Corporation (JMC) shunted out three fire department officials. However, fire officials believe that such suspensions may not solve the real problems. TOI's Ajay Singh spoke to JMC mayor Ashok Lahoti on future plans of strengthening the city's fire wing. Excerpts:
*Despite UDH minister's direction, the JDA has not transferred the fire cess. How do you propose to strengthen the firefighting system and prevent such incidents from repeating in the future?
I believe that Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) is equally responsible for such incidents. The JMC alone cannot be blamed. The meeting to transfer the fire cess has been called twice, attended by the UDH minister and principal secretary. A principal approval to transfer the cess fund was given at the meeting. However, JDA officials are acting above law and not following the direction.
*How do you plan to resolve the issue?
The JDA is sitting over about Rs 60 crore in fire cess. This actually belongs to JMC. After Saturday's incident, I have spoken to the UDH minister and asked him to intervene in the matter and transfer the funds at the earliest. This is required for JMC to strengthen the fire department.
*Do you think JMC should be given powers to collect fire cess and issue NOCs for the entire city?
Certainly, it's the need of the hour. The JDA has no role in dealing with fire incidents. As the fire department is under JMC, developers in any part of the city should take NOC and deposit fire cess with the JMC. JDA should only approve building plans.
*What are the challenges faced by JMC due to shortage of funds?
Jaipur's Walled City is on the world map and plays host to thousands of domestic and foreign tourists. In the absence of funds, we are not able to procure equipment that can douse fire in the narrow lanes. At present, the fire department has only one snorkel ladder which can fight fire up to a height of 44 metres. We urgently need a hydraulic ladder as the number of high-rises in the city has increased.
*Do you think there is a shortage of firefighters?
Not really, we have adequate amount of staff members. During emergencies, we get support and assistance from other departments. However, there is a dire need to upgrade fire tenders.
*Do you think suspending three firefighters after the Vidhyadhar Nagar incident was a good solution?
We can't solely hold them responsible. No one can deny the fact that our firefighters saved a life in Ramganj, a day before the Vidhyadhar Nagar incident. A committee has been set up to investigate the faults of the fire department in handling the Vidhyadhar Nagar fire.
