Fire tenders unable to reach spot on time?

Kukatpally: In case of a fire accident in Kukatpally, there is no guarantee that a fire tender will reach the fire incident spot on time. The allocation space for fire station has been pending for over five years. There was a proposal for setting up a fire station at Yellamma Banda in Kukatpally in an area of 2370 sq yds, however, it has been left in a backburner. 

Kukatpally fire jurisdiction covers a very large area of almost 30 km and fire stations in localities like Sanathnagar, Jeedimetla and Madhapur are 10 km away. In case of a fire incident it would be difficult to reach the spot in time say locals. 

On an average, 50 fire incidents are registered per year in Kukatpally. An inspection by Police Housing Corporation reported that the suggested land was not suitable for the purpose. For a densely populated area, a fire station service is being operated from JNTU campus for many years.

The fire station has no sufficient infrastructure and is being managed by a single fire engine after a fire tender has been sent to Malkajgiri fire station. A two-wheeler fire tender is also included to reach the locations in an emergency.

Kukatpally is a densely populated area having huge residential and commercial buildings and apartments, cinema halls and shopping malls. Mahender, a resident of Kukatpally says, “Are the authorities waiting for a disaster to take place? Kukatpally is so densely populated.” 

Respondingto the issue, a seniorfire station officer said it may take some time as the electionshave been announced in Telangana State and hope that the government wouldresolve the long pending issue. He also said that two more fire stations were also sanctioned at Miyapur and Bowrampet.

By Mohsin Aly