‘Construct rain water reservoir, provide fire extinguishers to avoid fire incidents’

Taking action against increasing fire incidents in Shima district, state urban development minister Suresh Bhardwaj has suggested the state government that rainwater

Taking action against increasing fire incidents in Shima district, state urban development minister Suresh Bhardwaj has suggested the state government that rainwater harvesting tanks should be constructed in every panchayat besides providing them with fire extinguishers.

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Bhardwaj has written to Himachal chief minister Jai Ram Thakur to consider his suggestions. He cited his visits to rural areas of Shimla where many houses were gutted. He said that houses in villages; especially in hilly areas, are made up of woods and more susceptible to fire.

“Every panchayat should have a rainwater reservoir. It will help fire tenders in refilling their tanks. And fire tenders do not get a water source for refilling,” he said.

The distance of between fire spots from fire station is also a cause of concern. “If all panchayats are provided with fire extinguishers, villagers can start fire fighting operations in time. Containing fire, in the beginning, will help reduce the losses,” the minister said.

In many cases, people could not start fire fighting as neither there was adequate water nor any other equipment and they had to wait for fire tenders.