Hyderabad: Lack of funds and infrastructure are leaving developed areas like Kompally, Alwal, Vanastalipuram, Shamshabad, Outer Ring Road, ITC cross roads, without fire stations.
Most of the times the fire teams are delayed by 30 to 40 minutes while reaching locations in these areas, which is due to traffic and the distance from the nearest fire station.
Lands for fire stations have been sanctioned in areas like Tandur, Medchal, Ghatkesar but funds have not been released. Due to this, the fire services department has been una-ble to start construction of fire stations. Mr G.V. Prasad, assistant district fire officer, Ranga Reddy district, said that a fire station must be set up for areas with a population of 50,000.
The fire department has sent budget plans and the list of the equipment required to the government six months ago, but there has been no response.
Besides, conducting fire awareness programmes costs the department Rs 10,000 each. On Fridays, there is a free awareness programme conducted by every station in various locations like schools, colleges, societies and industrial areas to help educate people.
