Ranchi: Kunal Sarangi, central spokesperson of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and former legislator, met with M.S. Bhatia, Director General (Home Guard and Fire Services) in Ranchi on Monday to raise serious concerns about the dilapidated state of fire services in Ghatshila subdivision.
Sarangi pointed out that despite being the main fire station of the subdivision, the Ghatshila fire center lacks even its own building. He highlighted that several multi-storey apartments and buildings have been built in the area, but the fire station does not have hydraulic ladders or modern equipment to tackle fires in tall structures.
He also expressed grave concern over the condition of the Baharagora fire station, stating that the building is in a dilapidated state, posing a threat to personnel. Despite having new fire engines, the borewell is non-functional, forcing water to be fetched from outside and delaying timely response during emergencies.
Regarding Chakulia, Sarangi urged for the permanent deployment of a fire engine in the town as it is located far from Baharagora, making emergency response time-consuming and risky.
He further requested that fire safety audits be conducted in all schools and colleges across the subdivision and that fire extinguishers be mandatorily installed in all institutions.
In response, DG M.S. Bhatia assured that the issues raised would be addressed on a priority basis. He informed that proposals to set up fire stations in every block are under active consideration by the state government, and actions will proceed based on budget availability