Yuva Morcha slams fire service lapses in Udupi, warns of protest

Udupi: BJP Yuva Morcha Wednesday accused the state govt of neglecting Udupi district and demanded urgent strengthening of fire and emergency services through additional vehicles and staff.A memorandum addressed to the chief minister was submitted through Udupi DC.The organisation said inefficiency in emergency response reflected the govt's indifferent attitude towards the district. It cited a recent fire in the heart of Udupi city, where fire personnel allegedly took a long time to reach a spot just 2 km away, triggering public outrage.Despite repeated appeals for additional vehicles and for filling vacant posts at the Udupi fire station, there has been no adequate response so far, the memorandum said. Even after 28 years of Udupi being a separate district, authorities continue to depend on neighbouring districts during emergencies.While approvals have been granted for fire stations in Manipal and Brahmavar, funds for the Brahmavar unit are yet to be released. Several fire department vehicles are over 15 years old and no longer fit for service, it said.The Yuva Morcha criticised the govt for allocating substantial funds to disaster relief in Wayanad, Kerala, while allegedly adopting a stepmotherly attitude towards Udupi. It demanded immediate and maximum compensation for shop owners who suffered losses in the recent fire, amounting to crores.Warning of an intense protest, the organisation said Udupi's rapid growth in fisheries, healthcare, education, banking and industry required a modern, well-equipped fire service.Yuva Morcha office-bearers, including Pradeep Kundar and Sushanth Poojary, were present.