Bhubaneswar: In a proactive move to strengthen urban resilience, the Housing & Urban Development Department in collaboration with Odisha Fire Services conducted a high-level virtual sensitization workshop on Fire Safety Awareness and Preparedness on Monday.
The session was aimed at synchronizing emergency response protocols and enhancing technical preparedness across all Urban Local Bodies in the state.
Addressing the workshop, Dr Sudhansu Sarangi, Director General of Fire Services, led the technical briefing and provided critical insights on preventive measures, use of modern fire fighting equipment, and the importance of institutional readiness. He noted that the H&UD Department is the first department in the state to organize such a comprehensive sensitization initiative, setting a benchmark for inter-departmental coordination on fire safety.
He further informed that a state-wide fire safety mock drill will be conducted on the coming Saturday and sought active cooperation from all Urban Local Bodies to ensure its successful execution.
Under the leadership of Usha Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary of H&UD Department, the workshop emphasized integrating fire safety as a core component of urban governance rather than treating it as a mere compliance requirement. Padhee has directed all ULBs to include Fire Safety measures in Mukhya Mantri Sahari Bikas Yojana(MSBY) in coming financial year.
The virtual session witnessed active participation from Commissioners of all Municipal Corporations, along with Executive Officers of Municipalities and Notified Area Councils (NACs), ensuring a cohesive and uniform approach to fire safety across the state. Fire Officers and Deputy Fire Officers also had joined the meeting virtually.
The deliberations highlighted the urgent need for strengthening safety standards in the wake of recent fire incidents and were anchored around three strategic pillars—preparedness, prevention, and public awareness.
Reiterating its commitment to building fire-resilient cities, the Department outlined key action points, including continuous sensitization of officials and citizens, mandatory periodic safety inspections of public and private establishments, grassroots-level awareness campaigns on fire prevention and emergency response.
At the outset, Arindam Dakua, Director, Municipal Administration, set the agenda for the discussion, outlining the objectives of the orientation meeting and emphasizing the need for a coordinated, state-wide approach to fire safety preparedness across Urban Local Bodies.
The workshop concluded with a clear directive to all ULB heads to immediately initiate safety audits and awareness drives within their respective jurisdictions to mitigate risks and prevent future mishaps.
