Manipur CM flags off 11 new fire engines

Our Correspondent

Imphal, Sep. 14 (EMN): Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh  accompanied by ministers, MLAs and state DGP flagged off 11 hi-tech new fire fighting vehicles and other equipment meant for the Manipur Fire Service (MFS) department to tackle fire mishaps on Wednesday.

The fire engines are for Imphal, Thoubal,Moreh, Bishnupur, Tamenglong, Jiribam, Senapati, Kangpokpi, Ukhrul and Churachandpur.

Speaking on the occasion, Biren Singh appealed to the public to widen the bylanes and local roads so that fire service vehicles can pass through the area in any event of emergency besides maintaining ponds in every locality.

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On the importance of locality roads, he questioned how these enormous vehicles will drive through the narrow bylanes of the localities in Imphal and the district headquarters in the event of emergencies.

Expressing the need for people’s participation in the welfare initiatives, he said the time had come to share responsibilities instead of criticising the government.

“The government cannot act alone, we need the people to get involved,” the chief minister said urging the people to come out voluntarily and ensure that their local bylanes are widened so that at least large vehicles can pass through.

“We are in a very alarming situation,” he said.” One should understand the conditions of our surroundings-roads, ponds, water bodies and even the Imphal river.”

Biren Singh also informed that around 64 vehicles are in service for MFS department across the state and that 11 new vehicles with new sophisticated modern technology were being introduced on Wednesday.

He also encouraged the firemen to continue their service for the people.

‘These water bowsers are being introduced for the first time in the state,’said Director Themthing Ngashangva of MFS department. “The vehicle has a 12,000 litre capacity and it has become very essential to control fire in the Imphal city area.”

Foam Co2 and Crash Tender is the other vehicle being launched today, he said adding that this is the equipment which can deal with situations arising out of inflammable substances like accidents involving oil tankers, gas bottling plants, etc.

“Now with the introduction of the two equipment, we are at par with any other fire service in the country”, he added.

Altogether 80 proximity fire suits among other things were also introduced on Wednesday.