Fire safety measures given a miss at Zirakpur

Satinder Pal Singh 

Zirakpur, October 14 

Fire safety seems to have been given a miss by the authorities at Zirakpur, a thriving township with a population hovering around one lakh. 

As Diwali is drawing near, the Dera Bassi fire service finding it difficult to cope with any untoward incident. Reason: A lack of hydrants to replenish fire tenders with water. 

Though Zirakpur has emerged as a major township with several residential societies, colonies, malls and marriage palaces, no fire hydrant has been installed anywhere in the city. 

Notably, a number of fire incidents have taken place in the past but neither residents nor the authorities concerned seem to be serious about the gravity of the issue. Moreover, the city also lacks a sub-fire station.

Sources at the Fire Department said they had to rush back to the Dera Bassi fire station for refilling. Besides, loose power cables and congested lanes at Zirakpur too hinder the movement of fire tenders. “It takes 15 minutes to cover the distance that takes usually five minutes,” fire officials said.  

Manjit Singh, Fire Officer, Dera Bassi, said,“We have already written to the Executive Officer to ensure the availability of sufficient water for fire tenders.” He said a fire tender would be stationed in the town to prevent any untoward incident on the eve of Diwali. MC officials could not be contacted despite repeated attempts. 

Lacking hydrant

Though Zirakpur has emerged as a major township with several residential societies, colonies, malls and marriage palaces, no fire hydrant has been installed anywhere in the city.