Research on U'khand terrain begins to open fire stations

Dehradun: In a bid to strengthen firefighting capabilities amid the ongoing forest fire season, the Uttarakhand govt has initiated efforts to map the topography and requirements of fire services to open fire stations in remote areas of the state.

During an event marking the fire services week in Dehradun on Saturday, chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that five new fire stations have been opened in Bhimtal, Dwarahat, Gauchar, Purola, and Sahastradhara.

"The Centre has also approved Rs 71 crore for the development of new fire stations and modernisation of fire safety equipment. The fund will be used in developing 18 new fire stations in the state with modern equipment," said the CM, adding that the state will soon have a ‘world-class fire services training centre '.

"Since the formation of the state in 2000 and the setup of the state fire services, the department's personnel have saved over 23,000 lives, nearly 5,000 animals, and properties worth around Rs 53,000 crore, showcasing their vital role in the state," added Dhami. He also felicitated the department's personnel for their services during the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj.