Naharlagun, Apr 14: The inauguration of the Naharlagun Fire Station, along with the flagging off of fire tenders and emergency motorcycles today, marked a key step in improving the state’s fire safety infrastructure. The event, attended by Home Minister Mama Natung, MLAs Mutchu Mithi and Techi Kaso, and IMC Mayor Tame Phassang, took place on Fire Service Day, commemorating the lives lost in the 1944 Bombay Docks Explosion.
The new fire station is equipped with 80,000 tons of water storage capacity and state-of-the-art facilities. Natung took the opportunity to announce that 28 new fire stations will be constructed in the next two years, significantly improving fire safety infrastructure in the state. He acknowledged that, over the past 50 years, only 24 fire stations were built.
“This government believes in minimum government, maximum governance, minimum fund, maximum work,” Natung stated.
During the event, fire and emergency services’ SP John Pada addressed the current challenges faced by firefighters. He emphasized that poor road infrastructure and the inaccessibility of certain areas often hinder firefighting efforts, particularly in hilly regions.
“The current infrastructure makes it difficult for us to reach fire sites in time,” Pada said. He also mentioned that 305 fire incidents have been reported this year, though many remain unreported.
In response to these challenges, Pada called for the Fire and Emergency Services Bill to be passed to improve regulations and establish better facilities, such as fitness gyms, staff quarters, and risk allowances for fire personnel. Arunachal Pradesh currently has 405 firefighters, but the state requires 545 for optimal safety.
Phassang underscored the importance of community participation in maintaining city infrastructure.
“No matter how good the infrastructure, without peace and public cooperation, a place can’t truly be developed,” he said, calling for broader colony roads to accommodate garbage trucks, firetrucks, school buses and other emergency vehicles and the public’s involvement in maintaining cleanliness.
Mithi also highlighted the speed of infrastructure development under the current government, praising the newly improved highways but stressing the need for better roads in towns for efficient firefighting.
“While the public may run away from disasters, firefighters run toward them. Their bravery is commendable,” Mithi remarked.
Kaso requested that a fire station in Nirjuli be prioritized, preferably near the police station, saying it will also cover Banderdewa and Doimukh. He also appealed to the government to ensure that promises are executed rather than just being made.
“Leaders must execute their promises. This government has changed Arunachal’s landscape over the past ten years,” Kaso emphasized.
Natung concluded the event by addressing the rise of drug abuse in the state. He stressed the importance of peace for development, urging the youth to stay away from drugs and honoring the police for their diligent work.
“The youth are the backbone of our state, and we must protect them from drug abuse. It’s not only a problem for Arunachal but for the entire nation,” Natung said.
The event was marked by speeches and promises to enhance fire and emergency services across the state, with new fire stations set to improve safety in remote and urban areas alike. The home minister confirmed that fire stations in Nirjuli would be included in the next budget, and a gym facility for firefighters will be set up soon.
The ceremony ended with a vote of thanks by Pada giving a call for unity and development, coinciding with Sangken, Ambedkar Jayanti, Bohag Bihu, and Fire Service Day.
