Director General of Telangana Fire Safety Y. Nagi Reddy released annual report of Telangana Fire services department on Monday, December 30.
The Telangana Fire Disaster Response Emergency and Civil Defence Department has attended 7,383 fire calls in 2024, a slight decline of 0.23% from the 7,400 calls in 2023. Despite this, there was a 5.9% increase in medium fire calls.
The Director General of the department, Y. Nagi Reddy, who released the annual report on Monday, said that officers were engaged in 2,453 rescue operations, which included flood rescues, human and animal rescues, and lift emergencies. This rose by 7.29% compared to 2023. “Emergency calls also increased by 10.82%, showcasing the department’s expanding role in responding to diverse crises,” said the officer.
Speaking about the history of the department, the DG said that during the Second World War, the Air Raid Precaution Organisation was established in India as a civil defence measure. “In Hyderabad State, fire services were managed under Nizam rule at 12 locations, including Gowliguda, Punjagutta, and Goshamahal. The Nizam State Railway acquired a Morris Fire Engine in 1914, which served actively at the Lallaguda garage and wagon workshops in Secunderabad. It was utilised for various duties within the workshop and railway colony and often called upon to tackle fires in the city,” he said.
Awareness campaigns
Public awareness campaigns saw a surge in 2024, with 8,433 sessions conducted, representing an 81.71% increase from 4,641 in 2023. These campaigns targeted various sectors, including hospitals, industries, educational institutions, residential areas, and other public spaces. Surprise inspections and hands-on demonstrations were integral to ensuring compliance with fire safety norms.
The department operates 147 fire stations across Telangana, including 119 single-unit, 18 double-unit, and one multi-unit stations. In 2024, new facilities were added, such as the Sanathnagar Fire Station and the Fire Services Headquarters inaugurated in Gachibowli.
The fleet now includes 454 vehicles, ranging from water tenders and foam tenders to advanced rescue vehicles. In a significant upgrade, 12 multi-purpose tenders, 26 water tenders, and 265 advanced firefighting and rescue tools were procured, alongside two 27-metre turntable ladders.
The Telangana Fire Services and Civil Defence Training Institute has trained 1,360 personnel, including private employees and officers, in 2024. Courses covered basic fire prevention, first-aid firefighting, and advanced flood rescue techniques. The institute’s recognition as a regional training centre by the Ministry of Home Affairs has expanded its reach, hosting trainees from other States and institutions.
New training facilities, including a breathing apparatus gallery, external staircases for fire rescue drills, and a mini-parade ground have enhanced real-time learning experiences. The personnel trained here achieved accolades, winning third place in a national-level water tender drill competition at NFSC Nagpur.
Under the 15th Finance Commission, the department secured ₹190.14 crore for expansion and modernisation. The first tranche of ₹42.78 crore was released in 2024. Additionally, 33 district fire offices were established, and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) was formally inaugurated, equipped with new vehicles, boats, and advanced rescue equipment.
Plan for 2025
The department is advocating amendments to the Telangana Fire Services Act, 1999, to align with the State’s evolving needs as a global investment hub. “At a time when Hyderabad has emerged as a global city where MNCs are setting up their offices and real estate is growing exponentially, we need an act which is in tune with the latest developments. Very soon we are expecting a positive outcome. Plans are also underway to introduce women’s reservations in all departmental posts, mirroring reforms in the police force,” said the DG.
Published – December 30, 2024 06:47 pm IST
