The city is likely to face a shortage of fire-tenders and rescue workers in the month of October as over 650 firemen and 50 of the 250 fire tenders will be deployed at various Commonwealth Games sites.
The Delhi government’s arrangement for disaster management will lead to a massive diversion of fire tenders and rescue workers to the Games venues.
However, a senior official of the Delhi government stated that it is only a matter of a few days and besides everything needs to be perfect during Games.
On being asked if the deployment will lead to a shortage of fire department services to the rest of the city, the official said, “things will be managed.”
Meanwhile, senior home department officials of the Delhi government refused to comment on any shortage in fire-fighting services in the city during Games.
“We have conducted safety drills at various Commo-nwealth Games sites and then came to a conclusion that there will be a need of at least 650 people inside and outside different stadiums hosting the Games events,” said Delhi Fire services chief R.C. Sharma.
“Special fire safety training will be provided to all the agencies involved in various activities of the Games,” he added:
Mr Sharma said that the 650 firemen are undergoing special training programmes for disaster management in their preparations for Games.
“The training includes people management through announcement systems in the event of a fire, training on the usage of fire exits and primary fire extinguishing,” said Mr Sharma.
The Delhi government will also make a dedicated fire department arrangement near the Akshardham Temple for Games.
“The Fire Centre in Akshardham area will control all the firemen and fire-tenders deployed on deputation from the main fire department office.