Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday announced that the state government will recruit 300 additional fire fighters to further strengthen Odisha’s disaster response capabilities.
Speaking at the passing-out ceremony of the 61st batch of fire fighter trainees, the Chief Minister said Odisha’s Fire Services has earned international recognition and are counted among the top three in the country. He praised their exemplary performance during this year’s Rath Yatra, describing it as of the “highest standard.”
The Odisha Fire Services and its fire fighters have been described as the best in the country, Majhi said. Over the past year, the state’s 346 fire stations have attended to nearly 50,000 calls. They have saved 7,599 precious human lives and rescued 17,000 animals. These efforts have brought great acclaim to the government, he added.
To enhance preparedness, the government is introducing new training measures, including the establishment of a simulator for fire fighters at an expense of Rs 12 crore.
Majhi also revealed plans for a world-class scuba diving training centre near Ramchandi in Konark to provide advanced rescue training at a cost of Rs 10 crore.
Highlighting joint efforts, Majhi said Odisha’s fire fighters will undergo combined training with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in September.
“These fire fighters, appointed nine months ago under the current government, will act as a shield for public safety during floods and cyclones,” the CM said.
The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Chief Minister’s Advisor Prakash Mishra, Digapahandi MLA Siddhant Mahapatra, Bhubaneswar Ekamra MLA Babu Singh, Pipili MLA Ashrit Pattnayak, family members of the trainees, and numerous senior and retired officers from the Police and Fire Services Departments.
Director General of Fire Services, Home Guards, and Civil Defence Dr. Sudhanshu Sarangi welcomed everyone to the event.
Deputy Inspector General Umashankar Dash administered the oath to the trainees during the passing-out ceremony.
