Dimapur, Dec. 16 (EMN): Minister of Planning and Coordination, Land revenue and Parliamentary Affairs, Neiba Kronu on Friday inaugurated the 19th fire station of the state at Pfutsero sub-division under Phek district.
The project was funded by the North Eastern Council (NEC).
Two more fire stations -- Chiephobozou in Northern Angami-II A/C and Khuzama in Southern Angami region -- will also be inaugurated on December 19 and 21 respectively, while Phomching Fire Station in Mon is also likely to be inaugurated by January 2023, increasing the number of fire stations in the state to 22, an update stated.
Addressing the gathering after unveiling the plaque as a mark of inauguration, Kronu said the state cabinet approved that the Fire and Emergency Services department will not only take care of fire incidents, but also conduct inspection of the high-rise buildings for adoption of proper fire safety measures, including electrification.
He, therefore, requested the people to take all fire safety measures while constructing high-rise buildings and get proper certification from the department concerned.
The fire station was one of the major requirements of the sub-division to cater to fire incidents surrounding villages of Pfutsero town, he said while expressing hope that the department would be able to provide better and timely services in times of need.
Advisor of Fire and Emergency Services, SIRD and Relief and Rehabilitation, Pohwang Konyak in his brief address, said that the inaugurated fire station and its personnel were in service for the people and therefore requested the public to cooperate with the department and also take care of the building, vehicles and other materials.
Meanwhile, ADC Pfutsero, Japheth Woch lauded the leadership of Kronu, saying that he has been working for the welfare of the people by bringing various developments in the constituency.
‘Though a sub-division, Pfutsero under Kronu has witnessed better infrastructural development in many ways,’ he said.
He also urged upon all to take care of the infrastructure with ownership.
Chairing the programme, Inspector General of Fire and Emergency Services, Neilasa Sopfü said that in 2010, the state had only eight fire stations; adding that the state needs to have 48 fire stations across the state and one training institute for fire and emergency services.
The government through the funding of NEC has already constructed 13 new fire stations during the last 12 years, he said.
He also informed that as decided by the state cabinet, the Fire and Emergency Service department has started inspecting high-rise buildings and recommending proper fire safety measures to the owners of the buildings, including educational institutions, government offices and private owners.
Pfutseromi Baptist Church Pastor, Wetsho Mero, offered prayers while Convenor of Pfutsero Town Welfare Forum, Mezelo Lomi, delivered the vote of thanks.