Nagaland loses over INR 1 crore every month due to fire disasters

Kohima, June 8 (EMN): Nagaland is experiencing a monthly loss of more than INR 1 crore due to fire disasters.

This information was revealed by Inspector General of Fire and Emergency Services (FES), Neilasa Sopfü, during the silver jubilee celebration of the Nagaland Fire Emergency and Services Association (NFESA) held at the Capital Convention Centre. The theme of the event was ‘Transcending with dedication and aspirations.’

In his speech, Sopfü said that Nagaland is losing approximately INR 1.04 cr per month due to fire disasters. He highlighted that fire disasters are often overlooked or underestimated, despite being the most common disaster. He also informed that the FES had been notified to undertake preventive and auditing measures, which are currently in progress.

There are only 21 fire stations in Nagaland, a shortfall of 27 fire stations. As per the national standard, Nagaland is supposed to have 48 fire stations. However, Sopfü expressed optimism that the state will soon bridge this gap by establishing the remaining 27 fire stations.

During the event, Advisor, FES, Home Guards, Civil Defense, and SDRF, S Kiusumew Yimchunger, expressed his belief that individuals who choose to become firefighters do so to give their best to save lives. He emphasised the importance of firefighters’ alertness and preparedness to prevent disasters that can result in significant financial losses and human casualties.

Congratulating the NFESA on completing 25 years, Yimchunger urged the association members to support and uplift each other in their work. He also acknowledged the progress made by the state under the leadership of the chief minister and requested NFESA to extend support to the government.

President of NFESA, Kenny Khing mentioned that the association’s silver jubilee was supposed to be held in 2021. However, it was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which claimed the lives of three firefighters, he said. He shared that the association was established in 1996 to serve and uplift the firefighter community and received official recognition from the state Home Department in 2017.

Khing compared a firefighter’s life to the ethical beliefs and faith of Christian life. He drew a parallel between the unpredictability of the ‘Second Coming’ in Christianity and the uncertainty faced by firefighters, who never know when the siren will sound and are called upon to rush into unknown danger.

“Unless we are prepared to face the challenges, the day might be the last time we hear the siren wailing,” Khing stated.

As part of the event, the FES advisor unveiled the jubilee monolith and released a souvenir to commemorate the occasion.