Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced plans to transform the Andhra Pradesh Fire and Disaster Management Department into a benchmark for other states in India. He inaugurated new advanced fire tenders and equipment at parade grounds in Amaravati. The department’s modernization project, costing Rs 252.93 crore, includes the introduction of new vehicles and equipment worth Rs 33.25 crore.
The state government’s initial phase of modernization involved the procurement of 25 advanced fire tenders costing Rs 18 crore, 40 Quick Response Vehicles with high-pressure pumps at Rs 10 crore, 50 inflatable rubber boats at Rs 2.49 crore, and 30 Breathing Apparatus set compressors at Rs 2.08 crore. Chief Minister Naidu stressed the importance of prioritizing life-saving measures and highlighted the necessity for the Fire Department to be equipped with modern tools and technology to address evolving challenges, especially with Amaravati’s development as the capital and the construction of high-rise buildings.
During the event, the Chief Minister urged officials to enhance the department’s capabilities by leveraging central schemes and state funds to ensure readiness for various emergencies. Home Minister V. Anitha, local MLA Sravan Kumar, Fire Services Director General P. V. Ramana, Home Department Principal Secretary Kumar Vishwajit, and senior police officials were present at the ceremony.
In a separate meeting, Chief Minister Naidu instructed officials to utilize advanced technology to issue timely alerts to prevent lightning-related fatalities. He emphasized the importance of disseminating alerts not only through mobile messages but also activating field-level staff and using network-based alerts to warn individuals in specific tower locations about potential lightning hazards. Additionally, he advocated for proactive measures to prevent road accidents, emphasizing the significance of public education and awareness on helmet usage and traffic regulations.
