Dial 112 Will Be Linked To Police, Fire And Ambulance Services

ANANTAPUR: AP disaster response and fire services director general (DG) P. Venkata Ramana said the Dial 112 emergency service would soon be linked to police, ambulance and fire services in Andhra Pradesh, enabling all three wings to respond to emergencies. Ramana said the move is part of large-scale reforms being undertaken in the disaster response and fire services department, including modernisation of equipment and procurement of new vehicles in two decades. During his visit to Anantapur on Saturday, the DG inaugurated new fire service vehicles and modern fire-fighting equipment. Speaking to media later, he said more than 50 per cent of human losses in fire incidents have been prevented during the past year, compared to previous years through quicker response and use of modern equipment, including modified four-wheelers for carrying out fire operations in narrow areas. Ramana said saving lives during emergencies is the primary responsibility of the fire services department. He disclosed that private fire services in industries would be linked to the fire services system for use during emergencies. The DG said state government has sanctioned funds for construction of 17 new fire station buildings at an estimated cost of ₹2.25 crore each. Of these, six have been completed. Modernisation of another 36 fire stations would be taken up, he stated. Ramana said ₹33 crore have been sanctioned for 65 fire vehicles in the first phase. Another 58 vehicles would be procured in the second phase. He pointed out that the department is being strengthened with ₹252.86 crore through central and state government funds.

The DG said 25 advanced fire-fighting vehicles have been deployed in various parts of the state, particularly in rural and forest areas. He mentioned Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu recently flagging off 58 modern fire vehicles procured at a cost of around ₹40 crore.