CM Yogi Adityanath flags off 56 fire tenders to sanitize Uttar Pradesh districts

TNN | Updated: Apr 9, 2020, 12:12 IST

CM Yogi flags off a fleet of 56 fire tenders on Wednesday for statewide sanitization drive

LUCKNOW: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday flagged off a fleet of 56 fire tenders which have been engaged for launching a statewide sanitization drive. These fire tenders will be used for spraying sodium hypochlorite which releases chlorine to check spread of novel coronavirus.
DG, fire services, RK Vishwakarma said that following the CM's directives fire tenders were pressed into service for sanitizing all 75 districts of the state. "We have sanctioned Rs 30 crore for speedy commencement of the drive," he added.
District magistrates, police chiefs and municipal commissioners have been directed to identify 'hotspots' in their respective areas for launching the sanitization drive.
"After getting information we send a fire tender to that particular area to spray sodium hypochlorite which releases chlorine. Chlorine kills all viruses in the air and sodium ions make solid surfaces acidic for a long duration, preventing growth of virus," the DG added.
So far, the fire department has completely sanitized Gonda, Aligarh and Mathura, while, 1,000 spots have been covered in 25 other districts.
Vishwakarma said that of the total sanctioned amount Rs 20 crore has been earmarked for purchasing 96 fire tenders.
"We have already purchased 61 fire tenders and the remaining ones would also be bought soon," he said.
He also said that remaining Rs 10 crore has been spent in purchase of hydraulic tools, thermal imaging cameras, hand control high pressure branch, breathing apparatus, chemical suits and pneumatic air lifting systems.