Nagaland loses about Rs 1.04 cr every month due to fire disaster

June 9, 2023 11 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Kohima | June 9

Among the various types of disaster, fire is the most common occurred disaster, and the state of Nagaland losses approximately 1.04 cr every month due to fire disaster.

This was informed by Neilasa Sopfü, IG, F&ES during the silver jubilee celebration of the Nagaland Fire & Emergency Services Association (NFESA) under the theme ‘Transcending with dedication and aspirations’ at Capital Convention Centre, Kohima on June 8.

Contrary to the general conception of the role of fire fighters as ‘post operation,’ Sopfü said the role of the fire fighters has drastically changed over the recent years including prevention and audit measures.

Highlighting in brief the chronology of the department, he informed that earlier all uniformed services were under the Police department, but in course of time as necessitated, the department of Fire & Emergency Services was bifurcated on April 1, 1990.

At that point of time, he said there were only seven fire stations in the state, however today, there are altogether 21 fire stations. The state is yet to reach the required 48 fire stations as per the technical survey conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

According to the survey, the state of Nagaland should have a minimum 48 fire stations as per the topographical, demographic aspects, population and administrative set up of the state.

“Yes, we are short of 27 fire stations to reach the stipulated requirement. We believe that in the course of time we will be able to reach that,” Sopfü stated.

Fire dept gets prevention and audit wing
He also informed that as notified by the state government, the Fire & Emergency Services will not only be confined to fire fighting but for prevention and audit measures. This means the fire department will be the nodal department to inspect any building having more than 45 feet to ensure they are in accordance with provisions of fire safety and having certain coverage as specified in the national building code 2016.

With regard to fire prevention and audit wing, the IG said it is still in the nascent stage but it has already initiated its activities. He expressed hope that through these measures fire incidents will come down in the state.

Sopfü also expressed hope that the Department of F&ES can also become a revenue earning department for the state in the future, like some states in the country.

Extending jubilee greetings to the members, he said that although it is a small department when compared with other department, it always gathered with a sense of warmth and dedication.

To this end, he urged the members to correct its shortcomings and rededicate themselves to their service of not only saving the properties, flora and fauna but also lives.

Gracing the celebration as the special guest, S. Kiusumew Yimchunger, Advisor, F&ES, Home Guard, Civil Defence & SRDF said dedication is of utmost requirement of the department as it has crucial role to save lives and not only properties.

He also sought the cooperation of the association to work hand in hand with the government to serve the public.

‘Never know when the siren will sound’
‘A fire fighter’s life can be compared to the ethical belief and faith of a Christian life, we never know when the second coming of our Saviour Jesus Christ is, likewise, we never know when the siren will sound and we rush into the unknown danger. Unless we are prepared to face the challenges, the day might be the last time we hear the siren wailing.’

This narration was put across by Kenny Khing, President NFESA describing the life of a fire fighter as it is committed to save lives and property.

He informed that the association was set up in 1996 with a motive to serve and uplift the fire fighters community in oneness. While the jubilee was supposed to be held in 2021, due to the pandemic and the department being at the forefront, it had to keep its celebration in abeyance.

Earlier, the Advisor unveiled the jubilee monolith at the directorate (FHQ) and also released the souvenir with dedicatory prayer offered by Rev Dr V Atsi Dolie, President, Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC). The inaugural programme was followed by jubilee feast, business session and vaganza night.