KOZHIKODE: “The newly envisaged Community Rescue Volunteer scheme will be extended to all parts of the State”, said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. He was speaking to a gathering at Mukkam after inaugurating the new Fire station building here and launching the statewide Community Rescue Volunteer scheme on Friday. The Government would give a facelift to the fire and rescue department of the State using central funds of Rs 10 crore allotted for the Disaster management fund and the Rs 39 crore allotted by the State Government, he said.
“At the time of atrocities or mishaps, a rescue team among the public is very crucial, as they can be a helping hand to fire and safety department officials to fight these mishaps”, he added . In all the major mishaps reported from Kozhikode district, fire officials has played an noteworthy role, but on those occasions when officials reached late to the spot, the rescue team could play a leading role there.
As a pilot step to the initiative, 150 people were selected from Palayam market, SM Street and Velliyangadi, who were given initial training. The members were trained by the firemen in handling fire-fighting equipment, installing them and evacuation measures to be undertaken during an emergency. George M. Thomas, MLA, presided over the ceremony and M.A. Shanavas MP was the chief guest. Fire and Rescue Department director A. Hemachandran, Mukkam Municipality chairman V. Kunjan Master and Panchayat presidents of various blocks in the region were also present for the occasion.
