Biren expresses concern over narrow roads

Imphal: Manipur chief minister appeals N. Biren Singh hri N. Biren Singh appeals to the people to support widening of bylanes and local roads to ensure that emergency vehicles like the fire service vehicles can pass through the roads in any event of emergency and to maintain water ponds in every locality.

The chief minister made the appeal as flagged off 11 new fire fighting vehicles and other equipment of the Manipur Fire Service department at Khuman Lampak main gate parking.

He was delighted to have nine Foam and Co2 Crash Tender, two Water Bouser and Portable Fire Pumps inducted into the Manipur Fire Service. Along with them, LPM and PPE, uniforms and other equipment have also been distributed to the fire service personnel.

Due to disturbances in nature, vast areas of the hilly region of the state are prone to massive wildfires. Similarly, with indiscriminate use of land in the valley area, firefighters are facing a serious challenge to reach the sites in time. “It is my earnest appeal to be mindful of these vulnerabilities when dealing with mother nature and development,” he said.

It was part of a precautionary measure taken up to meet any eventuality of fire. The fire fighting vehicles are for Imphal, Thoubal, Moreh, Bishnupur, Tamenglong, Jiribam, Senapati, Kangpokpi, Ukhrul and Churachandpur.

The government cannot act alone, people need to get involved, the chief minister said urging the people to come out voluntarily and ensure that their local bylanes are widened so that atleast large vehicles like the ones witnessed on this day can pass through.

“We are in a very alarming situation,” the Chief Minister said, highlighting lack of water due to deforestation, drying up of rivers and disappearance of water bodies like ponds and lakes in the state.

“During any eventuality of an inferno, we need water to pump from the water bodies like ponds and rivers but our water bodies are dying,” he said pointing out the deplorable condition of our rivers including Imphal River.

Appealing to the people to come out and actively participate in working for the welfare of the society, Biren said it is not the time to criticise others but the time to ask ourselves what we have done and contributed to the society.

Stating that around 64 vehicles are in service for Fire Service across the state and that 11 new vehicles with new sophisticated modern technology are being introduced today in the state, the chief minister further encouraged the firemen to continue their service for the people.

Manipur Fire Services director Themthing Ngashangva said the chief minister has been the backbone in the endeavor to modernise and enhance the capability of the Manipur Fire Services.

He said the Water Bouser is being introduced in the state on this day. The vehicle has 12,000 KL capacity, he said adding that due to lack of water sources especially in Imphal city area, this vehicle had become very essential to control fire.

Foam Co2 and Crash Tender is the other vehicle being launched today, he said adding that this is the equipment which can deal with situations arising out of inflammable substances like accidents involving oil tankers, gas bottling plants, etc. Now with the introduction of the two equipment, the department is at par with any other fire service in the country, he added.

Altogether 80 proximity fire suits among other things were introduced.

The launching cum demonstration ceremony was attended by MP Rajya Sabha Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba, ministers L. Susindro Singh, Dr Sapam Ranjan Singh, H. Dingo Singh, MLAs K. Robindro Singh and L. Rameshwor Meetei, DGP P Doungel, ADGP Clay Khongsai among others.