Fighting accidental fires

THE spate of recent reports of accidental fires wreaking havoc on life and property bears a sad commentary on our unpreparedness to meet such tragedies. To say the least, we lack quickness, appropriateness and the adequacy in our response at times of tragedy. The degree of war-readiness exhibited by some other countries in order to meet challenges posed by sudden fires, floods, road accidents or any other emergencies is laudable, indeed enviable. We could do well to learn from their thoroughly professional emergency services (fire, medical and police) which are required to undergo regular drills. An already well chalked-out action plan is what gives an enviable edge over the sudden ruthlessness with which calamities are known to strike.

During my stay at Cambridge I observed that all departments, colleges, offices and residential areas there were required by law to have an officer in charge of fire safety. It is the duty of this officer to ensure through regular inspection that all fire extinguishers and fire-hydrants are always in working order. These officers also make it certain that there are regular/periodic fire-drills at their assigned localities. Through such drills it is endeavoured that all residents, students, staff and workers are made aware as to how to leave the area as quickly as possible in case of an emergency.

People respond to a fire-alarm, leave their premises to gather outside at designated spots, where the fire-officer times the whole evacuation exercise. Depending upon the size of the building, the number of people who work there, and the escape routes, the whole exercise is supposed to be done within a stipulated time. A roll-call of the gathered is then taken to see if anyone might still be left in the building.

It has been observed that accidental fires get out of hand due to the absence of sufficient fire-fighting equipment/material at hand. By the time fire engines are able to reach the spot, fire has ample opportunity to get worse. May I suggest one way to contain the extent of damage during the intervening time. And in some cases, may be, even save the situation. Simple, inexpensive and yet a very effective contraptions that can easily be fabricated as a solution to fire-fighting is in the form of large water tanks made of plastic, installed strategically on top and at various levels of buildings. To these can either be attached simple sprinklers or faucets that are operable through stop-cocks at the ground floor. In some cases these will melt and the water released in large quantities will rush downwards, extinguishing fire on its way. Or at least keeping the damage in check till fire engines reach the spot.

VIVEK KHANNA
Panchkula

Defence: some suggestions

For too long have the defence force been taken for granted. The services deliver because of rich regimental traditions and professional pride. They are the only organisation where people are accountable for their acts of omission and commission. Rather than indulge in postmortems when the battle has been joined, let us set things right.

Publish the 1962 debacle report. surely after, 37 years, the citizens need to know if we are managing our defence affairs any better now.

Pay the soldiers adequately. Central Government employees got a Rs 5000 crore pay hike at the mere hint of a strike. They got the Fifth Pay Commission award in December 1998. Why are the defence services neglected?

The Defence Ministry needs immediate restructuring with the services getting greater autonomy. There is urgent need for a JPC/ independent commission now when a live situation is on us. This is essential for objective restructuring.

Our intelligence agencies have been found wanting every time. They operate individually at cross-purposes. Briefing of political parties can be handled by the cells of political parties, and not by serving soldiers.

Ex-servicemen need to unite and work towards a greater say in the running of the country. Let us organise a think tank in each major city.

Major-Gen M.P.S. MANN (retd)
Chandigarh

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Against international norms

The torture and mutilation of the bodies of Indian soldiers by the Pakistani army is a utterly revolting act besides being violative of all international norms governing the treatment of uniformed men in times of conflict. While I don’t think that India should respond with the escalation of the conflict, we certainly should not come out with a weak-kneed and wishy-washy reaction. We must ensure that the guilty Pakistani soldiers are identified and punished.

The Pakistani action in handing over the bodies in this condition should be seen as a deliberate act of provocation. Their intention is obviously to force India to react violently and enable them to wriggle out of the corner they find themselves in. We should not play into their hands. However, we should realise that the West is not the paragon of civilisation that it fancies itself to be, and it will readily jettison all its high-sounding “principles” for its own interest. Their interest obviously lies in a weak and helpless India. They will, therefore, not be of any help in this matter.

Indians should realise that dignity is a function of one’s own conduct and cannot be acquired by appealing for “justice”. We should not only throw out the intruders post-haste, we should also ensure, whatever the means and the cost, that this kind of aggression does not occur again. Our conduct should make it clear that we will not permit this outrage to go unpunished. We should do all this without appearing frenzied or frightened.

ASHOK AGRWAAL
New Delhi