Delhi government plans overhaul of Delhi Fire Service to improve response
Home Minister Ashish Sood announced plans to expand manpower, upgrade technology, and make fire safety systems mandatory in existing buildings.
The Delhi government has announced a comprehensive revamp of the Delhi Fire Service (DFS) to strengthen emergency response and address infrastructure gaps, according to reports by The New Indian Express and Hindustan Times.
Home Minister Ashish Sood said on Tuesday that the plan includes setting up new fire stations, upgrading equipment, and expanding frontline manpower. The government intends to make sprinkler systems and fire alarms mandatory in existing buildings to match standards for new constructions.
The overhaul follows a review meeting led by Lieutenant-Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu to discuss challenges such as traffic congestion, narrow lanes, and electrical overloading. To improve response times, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) will provide land for new stations, which the Public Works Department (PWD) will help develop.
Sood stated that the recruitment of firemen and station officers will be accelerated through cooperation with the Home Department, Services, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), and the Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB). The department will also implement regular physical fitness tests for fire operators.
The Power Department will instruct electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs) to upgrade network capacity and increase sanctioned loads to manage electrical overloading. Additionally, specialised equipment for tackling fires involving combustible materials will be procured using an existing memorandum of understanding with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).
The DFS also plans to launch safety awareness campaigns in schools, markets, and Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs). The department will empanel architects and auditors on the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) panel and issue advisories to property owners regarding building by-laws.