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Nagpur: Even as the threat of fire accidents loom large over Nagpur in the wake of rising mercury, as many as five sub stations of Fire Deparment have been instantly shut down as its employees have been engaged for standby arrangement for the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Nagpur visit on Friday, April 14. The situation is signalling an alarm as besides Modi’s visit there are two other major events falling on the same day – Ambedkar Jayanti and the foundation day of NMC’s Fire Department itself.
Sources informed that all the employees of these 5 sub stations have been roped in for standby arrangements.
However the department would suffer staff crisis in the event of any emergency situation in the city.
It is learnt that the NMC’s fire department has been already reeling under staff crisis with no respite in sight. Sources said a total of 411 posts were approved for recruitment at the head office along with sub stations. Currently, only 195 firemen and 57 drivers are handling the entire responsibility. The fire department chief Rajendra Uchake and head of Kalamna sub station Bhimrao Chandankhede are the only two leading the entire staff, whereas rest of the officers are burdened with added responsibilities. The top posts too have been lying vacant for the past many years. Even Uchake has been reportedly on long leave due to health reasons.
Even the 872 posts approved under Establishment Act for 13 sub stations in March 2016 could not be processed due to the lack of coordination among various related departments. As per the rules, the appointments under Establishment Act should be done within a month of approval of the posts.
As of now the NMC is in a fix to manage the city and the PM’s visit in one go.
