Governor Calls for Enhanced Fire Safety Measures in Odisha's Educational Institutions

Governor's Urgent Appeal for Fire Safety Audits

Bhubaneswar: On Wednesday, Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati emphasized the necessity for the Fire and Emergency Services department to implement preventive fire audits across all higher education institutions, particularly those with large auditoriums. His comments came during a presentation on Disaster Preparedness and Response held at the Raj Bhavan conference hall, where the department outlined its equipment, staffing, training initiatives, and future strategies.

The Governor highlighted that conducting these preventive audits is crucial for identifying potential risks and facilitating timely corrective actions. He pointed out that proactive measures can lead to safer evacuation routes, lower the risk of injuries or fatalities, minimize property damage, and enhance overall emergency readiness, while also promoting a safety culture among both staff and students.

During the presentation, officials demonstrated the department's state-of-the-art equipment, which includes Robotic Monitors, Advanced Rescue Tenders, Incident Command Vehicles, Hydraulic Platforms, and other sophisticated machinery. Governor Kambhampati also requested updates regarding the acquisition of additional equipment and the department's plans for future enhancements.

Additionally, the Governor received information about the National Water Rescue and Watermanship Centre located at Ramchandi, Puri, and learned about the establishment of the K-9 Squad, making Odisha the first state to introduce such a unit. He commended initiatives like the fully online fire licensing system, collaboration with third-party agencies, and Odisha's overall disaster preparedness, noting that the state has set a benchmark for others. The Governor also took the opportunity to inspect the Command Vehicle and its advanced functionalities.