Procurement of 12 new fire tenders picks pace

Nashik: The Nashik Municipal Corporation's (NMC) fire brigade department has initiated the process to procure 12 new fire tenders and six water browsers as part of its preparations for the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela.The decision was conveyed by NMC's fire brigade chief Sanjay Bairagi during the meeting of the civic body's standing committee, after members raised concerns over the ageing fleet of the firefighting vehicles.According to officials, 18 vehicles, including the 12 fire tenders and six water bowsers, have completed nearly 20 years of service. As per state govt's resolution, fire service vehicles over 15 years of service must be scrapped.In line with the norms, these vehicles have already been withdrawn from active use, leaving the department dependent on a limited fleet at a crucial time.Bairagi informed the committee that the procurement process for the new fire tenders and water browsers is being fast-tracked, given the large crowds expected during the Kumbh Mela. "These vehicles will replace the units that have already been phased out. We intend to acquire them at the earliest, considering the scale of preparations required for the Kumbh," he said.NMC commissioner Manisha Khatri said the administration is preparing a special proposal seeking funds from state govt specifically to strengthen the fire brigade's fleet. "The proposal will include allocations for the new vehicles essential for emergency management during the religious mega event," she said. Meanwhile, the civic body is in the final phase of recruiting 186 new fire brigade personnel, including 150 firemen and 36 drivers.