Government of Tamil Nadu - Archives

Fire supports life. In fact life without fire is unthinkable and meaningless. Ironically this great friend of man and life itself becomes his worst foe sometimes. Grave fire accidents take place every now and then, wherein people perish and properties worth crores of rupees are destroyed. Most fires are caused by some failure or the other, be it human or otherwise. The fact of the matter is that most accidents by fire can be prevented and fire accidents greatly reduced, if not avoided altogether. Hundreds of human lives and properties worth crores of rupees can be saved from the ravages of fire, if some elementary precautions are observed.

Apart from fire accidents, modern day life has also brought in its wake several accidents, whose causes have been natural as well as artificial. The earthquake that shook Gujarat on 26.1.2001 is still fresh in our memory where the loss of human life and properties was beyond description. In Tamil Nadu, cyclones and floods cause damage each year to properties and take their toll of human life as well.

The officers and men of the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services have been in the forefront in rescue efforts. Gujarat is a notable example of the important role the Fire and Rescue Services Department can play in rescue and relief activities. Many a time it is called upon to rescue people in distress and its activities in this regard are note-worthy.

Fire and Rescue Services are called out for assistance during severe out-breaks of law and order when arson takes place. It is called upon to stand by at fairs and festivals and during VVIP bandobust and elections.

The Fire and Rescue Services Department also does the task of fire prevention propaganda. It lays great stress on fire prevention and creating awareness of fire safety by taking up awareness programmes aimed at specific target groups like housewives, rural women, school children, industrial workers, slum dwellers, and people visiting commercial complexes, cinema theatres, multi storeyed buildings and office complexes.

The Fire and Rescue Services Department in Tamil Nadu has established a reputation for itself as one of the largest and most efficient of such organisations in the country. It is basically a Service Department, whose functions are varied and substantial. Besides the service function, it has statutory, regulatory and advisory functions also.

On the service side, the prime concern of the Department is to rescue life and property from the danger, damage and destruction caused by fire. Further, its services are extended to the Police Department during elections, riots, fairs and festivals, for VIP bandobust and to the Public Health Department during epidemics. The ambulance services available with the Department are used to move the sick and injured to hospitals for medical aid.

On the statutory and regulatory side, it enforces the Fire Service Act while issuing Fire Licences and NOCs as required under the Act. On the advisory side, the Directorate gives advice on fire protection measures for high rise buildings, factories, places of public resort and to organisors of fairs and festivals to ensure that they conform to regulations contained in various Acts and Rules for fire preventive measures.

The Fire and Rescue Services Department is functioning under the Control of the Home Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu. The Director, Fire and Rescue Services, is the head of the Department and he is assisted by four Regional Deputy Directors. Each Region is divided into divisions, which may range from 4 to 9. There are 28 Divisions under the control of Divisional Officers. Each Division has 4 to16 Fire and Rescue Services Stations under its control. Each Fire and Rescue Services Station is under the charge of a Station Officer. 12 Divisions have Fire Prevention Wings. Besides, a State Training Centre is also functioning at Thambaram under the control of a Director(Course), who is in the rank of Deputy Director. The State Workshop in Chennai is also under his control.

The fundamental unit of the Department is a Fire and Rescue Services Station. At present there are 280 Fire and Rescue Services Stations in the State. New Fire and Rescue Services Stations are opened with jurisdiction of radius of 25 Kilometres, a population norm of 50,000 and fire hazards at least with a loss of property of Rs.50,000/- in an area. The number of Fire and Rescue Services Stations in Tamil Nadu is 1/7th of the approximate total number of 2000 Fire and Rescue Services Stations in the country.

The Government has issued comprehensive instructions that the Fire Brigades in the public sector and private sector should come to mutual aid in the event of necessity, so as to augment the strength and improve the service provided to the people in distress.

The executive, operational and administrative personnel strength at present is 6,606. The break-up details of the manpower are given in Appendix-II and III. Direct recruitment to the posts of Divisional Officer, Automobile Engineer (State Workshop), Station Officer and Junior Assistant, Typist, Steno-Typist is done by the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission. Direct recruitment of Firemen is done by the Tamil Nadu Uniformed Services Recruitment Board.

This Department has a sanctioned strength of 6,288 executive personnel, out of whom 3,987 are Firemen. When this Government took charge, there were more than 1,000 vacancies in the category of Fireman and hence the Tamil Nadu Uniformed Services Recruitment Board was geared to complete the recruitment process. In view of the above, 985 candidates were selected for the post of Fireman, out of whom 330 candidates were appointed in one batch on 22.10.2001 and they have also completed the foundational training for a period of 3 months. The appointment of the remaining 655 candidates will be made soon and their training will also start shortly. 102 direct recruit Station Officers were appointed on 1.6.2001 and they have also completed the foundational training for a period of 4 months at the State Training Centre.

So far no women candidates were appointed in the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services Department. This Government is firmly committed to giving equal opportunities to women in all spheres of human activity. It is determined to remove gender bias and hence the Government has issued orders on 12.10.2001, to amend the relevant service rules so as to pave the way for the entry of women into the Fire and Rescue Services Force and for their appointment at all levels viz. Divisional Officer, Station Officer and as Firefighters too. Further, the Government has decided that the minimum physical measurements for women candidates for appointment in the Fire and Rescue Services Department will be the same as those prescribed for the appropriate posts in the Police Department. After amending the relevant service rules, the recruitment of women for the above posts will be taken up.

The role of the Fire and Rescue Services Department in disaster management, arising out of various kinds of emergencies is crucial. For the purpose of meeting this objective, 326 Water Tenders, 79 Ambulances, 13 Small Foam Tenders, 5 Emergency Rescue Tenders, 1 Hydraulic Platform (Simon Snorkel of England), 1 Turn Table Ladder (Isuzu-Morita of Japan), 2 Hydraulic Platform-cum-Turn Table Ladders of 37 Metres and 42 Metres of Bronto Skylift from Finland, 1 Hose Laying Tender and 36 Water Lorries, 1 Wrecker, 2 Mobile Repair Vans, 228 High Range Portable pumps and 93 Floto Pumps have been provided with sufficient technical staff. 61 other supporting vehicles have been provided such as Wireless-cars, Jeeps, Buses and Motor Cycles. The Government has sanctioned the procurement of 18 Water Tenders at a cost of Rs.2.43 crores in August’ 2001 as replacement for the condemned ones.

Besides the above, some important Fire and Rescue Services Stations are equipped with modern gadgets like Lifting Bags, Smoke Exhausters, Poisonous Gas Detectors, Generators and other Combi-tools of aid in rescue operations. Further, the Department also possesses 3 Mechanised Fibre Boats,1 Helmet Type Thermal Imaging Camera, 2 Hand-held Thermal Imaging Cameras, 2 Life Detectors and 2 Multigas Monitors.

The Government has also sanctioned the procurement of essential equipment at an estimated cost of Rs. 2 crores during the financial years 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 by utilising the amount from the XI Finance Commission Award.

Timely service and prompt response is extremely vital in fire fighting and rescue operations. Quick and efficient means of communication is therefore, necessary for each Fire and Rescue Service Station. At present they are provided with a telephone through which fire calls can be received and responded to. In some district Headquarter towns ‘101’ free telephone facility is available. In Chennai City, 122 low band VHF Wireless sets have been provided which include Walkie-talkies and Repeater.

Recently, the State Headquarters has been connected to all District Headquarters and some other sensitive places with High Frequency sets. In all 32 H.F. sets were procured and they are functional.

All Fire and Rescue Services Stations in Chennai City, Thiruvallur District, Kancheepuram District and Coimbatore City have wireless sets. Yet, there are many Fire and Rescue Service stations, which do not have them. Since,wireless sets play an important role in communication and prompt deployment of Fire and Rescue Service vehicles and in order to reduce response time, the Government has issued orders on 27.12.2001 approving the scheme of providing 233 static, 263 mobile and 233 portable Hi-Band VHF sets at an estimated cost of Rs. 2.05 crores for all the Fire and Rescue Service Stations in other Districts also. This will be done in a phased manner over a period of two years. This will make instant communication possible and Water Tenders will be able to reach the scene of fire accidents quickly, and it will also enable the seeking of further reinforcements, if necessary, by means of quick and easy contact with the Control Room.

Response Time is the actual time taken for a Fire Tender to reach the spot from where an emergency call is received. Normally, the response time is expected to be not more than 10 minutes in Chennai City. It is the on-going effort of the Department to constantly take steps to bring down the response time. A separate communication wing and a Control Room with ‘101’ & ‘102’ telephone connections and wireless sets are available in Chennai City, by which messages can be transmitted quickly and the response time reduced. Several measures have been identified and action taken to reduce the response time. They include co-ordination with the Traffic control of Chennai Police, modification of the speed breakers, provision of emergency gates along Central Road medians, improvement of roads frequently used by the Fire Tenders etc.

The Government has instructed the Chief Engineer, Highways, to effect improvements to the roads frequently used by the Fire Tenders, and the Joint Commissioner (Transport) and Commissioner, Chennai Corporation, to remodel the speed breakers which were not properly designed, so that they do not unduly hinder the movement of Fire Tenders.

The Web-site for the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services was developed and launched by the National Informatic Centre. This is now available at http://www.tn.nic.in/fireservice (or) http://www.tn.gov.in/fireservice. It is user friendly and contains all the information needed by the public. It is interactive, illustrative and informative.

Training is very essential to keep any force in a trim and fighting – fit condition, more so in the Fire and Rescue Services. As a means of improving the quality of training given to its personnel at all levels, a modern and state-of-the-art training institution has been built at a cost of about Rs. 4.50 crores, so as to be abreast of the modern developments in the field of technology and techniques in fire fighting and rescue. This Training institution is now functioning at Thambaram and it is equipped with all modern Teaching Aids including an Emergency Rescue Tender, Trolley Type Light Tower Mast, Computers, Chemical Suits, Diving Suits, Multi Media Projector, Mobile Repair Van and Gym Equipment. An all-weather concrete Parade Ground, Smoke chamber and V-Notch tank enable good out-door training for the trainees. Good class rooms, an excellent library, cut models and good messing and staying facilities, all add to the total improvement in the quality of training imparted. Training in Fire and Rescue Services receives the highest importance. This Training Centre is on par with the National Fire Service College, in Nagpur. It will endeavor to train not only the fire fighters of the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services, but also fire fighters from other States, Public Sector Undertakings, Government institutions and even the public at large on payment of nominal fees. A calendar of training has been drawn up for the State Training Centre.

The Government has also sanctioned a Training Allowance of 10% of the basic pay to all personnel engaged in imparting training, so as to provide an incentive to them and attract the best talent to work in the Training Centre.

In the year 2001, foundational training was imparted to 102 direct recruit Station Officers and 330 direct recruit firemen. Further, Fireman training was also imparted to 10 non-fire service personnel. 23 Firemen selected for the post of Fireman Drivers and 28 Fireman Drivers selected for the post of Driver Mechanics were given training at the State Training Centre. Refresher courses were imparted to 37 Firemen, 20 Fireman Drivers/Driver Mechanics, and 28 Leading Firemen. Further, elementary fire fighting training was imparted to 38 non fire service personnel.

The department maintains a State Workshop at Chennai for attending to repairs of departmental vehicles and equipment. The Automobile Engineer attached to the State Workshop is empowered to accord technical sanction for estimates for repairs to vehicles which exceed Rs.2500/-, on par with the powers delegated to the Automobile Engineer of the Motor Vehicles Maintenance Department. This will greatly cut down delays in according technical sanctions for repairs to Fire Tenders in Workshops.

Out of 280 Fire and Rescue Services Stations, which are functioning in the State, 109 Fire and Rescue Services Stations are housed in regular Government buildings (including 3 which are under construction), 42 in Semi-permanent structures and 129 in rented buildings.

Out of the XI Finance Commission Grant of Rs.8 crores, the Government in its order dated 16.8.2001, has sanctioned the construction of buildings for 34 Stations through the P.W.D at an estimated cost of Rs.6 crores, during the financial years 2001-2002 & 2002-2003. For the year 2001-2002 the construction of buildings at Thambaram, Nilakottai, Veppur, Thirumuttam, Rasipuram, Thiruchengode, Srivilliputhur, Sathur, Chengee, Ponnamaravathy, Kamudhi, Ponneri, Jagadapattinam, Nanguneri, Arcot, Cheranmadevi, Sengottai, Vettavalam, Vathiraiyuruppu, Kanniyakumari, Thittakudi, Parangipettai, Devakottai, Royapuram, Vyasarpadi, Pettai and Valparai are in progress. The construction of buildings at Javvadhumalai, Gudiyatham, Palani, Thirupathur (Vellore District), Coimbatore (North), Nagercoil and Mannargudi will be taken up during the year 2002-2003.

Fire prevention is an elementary function of the Fire and Rescue Services Department. In order to intensify fire prevention work, Fire Prevention Wings were formed in 12 Divisions. These Wings undertake propagation of fire prevention methods among the rural and urban population so that risks by fire are reduced. They undertake visits to select places such as schools, industries, offices, villages and slums and give lectures and hold demonstration sessions for the target groups so that they are sensitised to fire –safety and fire prevention methods. Two photographic sections are available for the two Fire Prevention Wings in Chennai City. The Government attaches the highest importance to fire-prevention, and the adage “ Prevention is better than cure” is extremely appropriate here.

In order to reach out to the rural masses and more so to the rural women, the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services has started an ambitious programme of imparting training to them in elementary fire fighting, by attending the meetings of the Women Self Help Groups of the TN Corporation for Development of Women. Hands-on experience and lecture-cum-demonstration sessions are arranged for them at these meetings. It is hoped that those who undergo the training will, in turn, train others in the villages in fire safety, so that with this multiplier effect, the entire rural population can be covered. Non-Governmental Organisations are also being involved to create awareness about fire protectionary measures to be taken by the public, while firing crackers during Deepavali. Since most of the fires during Deepavali are due to firing of rockets, a proposal to ban the storage and sale of this item during Deepavali is under the active consideration of the Government.

To tackle fires in slums during summer, out-posts were opened. Further, out-posts are now functioning in slums at 16 places in Chennai City to facilitate quick operation to fight fires. These outposts are provided with high capacity synthetic or collapsible water tanks, portable fire pumps with hoses and wireless sets. These out-posts are manned round the clock and they constantly keep a vigil in these sensitive areas.

Cinema Halls are extremely prone to accidents by fire. The fire accident in Upahaar Cinema Hall in New Delhi on 13.6.1997 reminds us of the tragedy that can befall cine goers. In that tragic incident 57 people perished. The Government, therefore, is seriously committed to ensuring fire safety in Theatres. In order to do so, the Government constituted a Multi-Departmental Committee under the chairmanship of the Director, Fire and Rescue Services, to inspect cinema theatres throughout Tamil Nadu, once in a year and to bring to the notice of the licencing authorities, any violations of licence conditions, for appropriate action. The Government has also directed the Director, Fire and Rescue Services, to submit an annual report of inspections and to suggest remedial measures for prevention of fire accidents in the theatres. During the calendar year 2001, 1533 Cinema Halls were inspected.

There were 16,987 fire calls in the year 2000 and 17,697 Fire calls during 2001. 47 lives were lost in 2000 and 77 lives were saved. During 2001, 112 lives were lost in fires and 107 lives were saved. The value of properties lost in 2000 was Rs.13.99 crores and value of properties saved was Rs.157.24 crores. During 2001, the value of properties lost was Rs.15.80 crores and properties saved was Rs.137.86 crores. The total number of fire incidents in Chennai City has come down successively from 1999 to 2001. It came down from 1603 in 1999 to 1570 in 2000 and from 1570 to 1546 in 2001. In Chennai City, the services of Metro Water lorries are being utilised to recharge the Fire Tenders at the scene of the fire accident itself, which enables continuous fire fighting, as otherwise the Fire Tenders will have to go to some filling point to be recharged with water. This has greatly helped to save lives and public properties from destruction by fire.

A notable case handled by the Department is that of a fire at the Commercial Tax Office, situated at the 5th floor of the Kuralagam multi-storeyed building on 24.11.2001. Since the Fire and Rescue Services Personnel extinguished the fire efficiently in time, the spread of the fire from the 5th floor to other floors was prevented and hence property worth more than Rs. 4.90 crores was saved from being totally destroyed by fire.

Rescue Calls mostly relate to emergencies like road accidents, train accidents, accidental fall into wells, and attack by insects, inhalation of poisonous gases, building collapses and other natural and man–made calamities. In the last two years (i.e.) 2000 and 2001, there were 4170 and 4457 rescue calls respectively

(1) On 2.6.2001, One Thiru. Ravi, aged 35 years, was rescued alive by the Fire and Rescue Services Personnel, when he fell into a 15 ft ditch, while cleaning the tank at Mylapore, Chennai.

(2) On 4.7.2001, a small boy, by name Bharathi, aged 7 years, was rescued alive by the Fire and Rescue Services Personnel, when he fell into a well 35 ft deep at Teynampet, Chennai.

(3) Recently in Coimbatore City on 7.3.2002, the Fire and Rescue Services personnel rescued alive 2 persons who were totally trapped by falling construction debris.

Ambulances are available in 79 Fire and Rescue Services Stations. Those who are injured during fire accidents and other emergencies are removed to the hospitals for immediate medical aid. Even otherwise, when summoned, the sick and injured are transported to hospital, on payment of nominal charges. During the year 2001, the ambulances were requisitioned on 2031 occasions. Of these, the number of paid calls was 1632. A revenue of Rs.4, 93,416/- was realised as hire charges for the paid calls attended to by the Ambulances.

The Fire and Rescue Services department vehicles are utilized for bandobust arrangements and stand-by arrangements during the visits of V.I.Ps and during important conferences and meetings and festivals where huge pandals are errected. Besides, stand-by of Fire Units is provided for private functions also on payment of charges. During 2001-2002 (up to February’ 2002) an amount of Rs.39,99,926/- was collected as stand-by charges.

To motivate the personnel of the Directorate to perform their duties more efficiently and to achieve the desired goals and objectives, the following incentives and welfare measures are being provided.

In recognition of outstanding devotion to duty, meritorious service and gallantry exhibited by the Fire and Rescue Services personnel while performing their duty, the following medals instituted by the State Government are awarded to the officers and men of the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services Department:

The recipients of this medal are eligible for a lumpsum grant ranging from Rs.2000/- to Rs.5000/-. It varies according to the rank of the recipient.

(ii). The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's Fire Service Medal: (Awarded on Pongal Day)

This medal carries with it a cash allowance of Rs.40/- per head per month for fireman and equivalent ranks and Rs.50/- per head per month for leading fireman /driver-mechanic/ fireman driver / fireman mechanic.

(iii) Apart from the Awards granted by the State Government, the Fire and Rescue Services personnel are also awarded medals instituted by the Government of India. Details are as follows:-

(a) Fire Service Medal for Meritorious Service on the occasion of Independence Day.
(b) Fire Service Medal for Meritorious Service on the occasion of Republic Day.
(c) Fire Service Medal for Gallantry.

In order to spot and encourage excellence and to enthuse the Fire and Rescue Services Personnel to perform their duties more efficiently and spur them to achieve greater heights, the Government in its order dated 5.7.2001, has instituted a Medal called “ The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Fire Service Medal for Excellence” Three Medals will be awarded every year, one each to a Station Officer, Leading Fireman and Fireman and equivalent ranks during Fire Service Day (April 14th). Each Medal will be of 22 carat gold weighing 8 grams. Further, the Medal will carry a lumpsum grant for the different ranks- i.e. Rs. 3000/- for the Station Officer and equivalent ranks, Rs. 2500/- for Leading Fireman and equivalent ranks and Rs. 2000/- for Fireman and equivalent ranks. These medals will be given to those who excel in the performance of their duties.

The Tamilnadu Fire and Rescue Services Benevolent Fund, founded in the year 1962 renders financial help to the members of the Fire and Rescue Services, in distress. It also promotes their welfare. Financial assistance is granted to the members for the following purposes:-
(1)   to purchase nutritious food for themselves and for their dependents who are suffering from chronic diseases such as Tuberculosis, Leprosy, Cancer etc.
(2)   to meet the cost of higher education of their children.
(3) to provide relief to the families of deceased members.
(4) to meet the funeral expenses of the members and their dependents.
(5) 5,617 persons have been enrolled under the scheme. A sum of Rs.4,05,385/- was collected from the members by way of subscription to the fund. Members under this scheme were granted relief totalling Rs.4,53,399/- from the fund during the year 2001-2002.   The Government has issued orders on 13.12.2001, enhancing the Government grant to the fund from Rs. 3 lakhs to Rs. 4 lakhs.

An amount of Rs.1,00,000/- each is given by the Government to its employees who die in harness from the Family Benefit Fund. In addition to this, the Government has also increased the existing grant to the Fire and Rescue Services Personnel, by its order in G.O. Ms.No.1222,Home (Police-XVII) Department Dated 11.12.2001 as follows:-

(i)	For those who die in harness while on duty	Rs.2,00,000/- to Rs.5,00,000/-
(ii)	For those who suffer permanent disability, while on duty	Rs.50,000/- to Rs.1,00,000/-
(iii)	For those who are seriously injured while on duty	Rs.10,000/- to Rs. 20,000/-
(iv)	For those who suffer Minor injuries while on duty	Rs. 5,000/- to Rs. 10,000/-

To grant relief to the families of Fire and Rescue Services personnel who die while on duty, a Group Insurance Scheme covering the entire Department from the Director, Fire and Rescue Services, up to Fireman (excluding Ministerial Staff), has been introduced. This scheme offers relief to an extent of Rs.1, 00,000/- to the family of the deceased personnel.

Under this scheme, food articles such as rice, wheat, rava/maida, palmolein, toor-dal and black gram dal are supplied to the Fire and Rescue Services Personnel up to the rank of Assistant Divisional Officer at subsidised rates. On an average the Government spends about Rs. 47.82 lakhs on this scheme per year.

To maintain operational efficiency and for quick mobilisation during emergencies, it is essential to provide quarters for the Fire and Rescue Services personnel near the Fire and Rescue Services Stations. At present quarters have been provided in 27 places viz. Arakonam, Udumalpet, Ranipet, Sivakasi, Ashok Nagar, Washermanpet, Nandanam, Perambalur, Nagapattinam, Anna Nagar (West), Mylapore, Thambaram, Dharmapuri, Madurai, Manali, Villupuram, Triplicane, Periyakulam, Coimbatore (South), Nungambakkam, Theynampet, Jayamkondacholapuram, Palayamkottai, Erode, Chengleput, Dindigul and Attur. Further, quarters are under construction at Tuticorin, Thiruppur, Thindivanam, Cuddalore and Mint, Chennai. Earlier, the Government took a policy decision to sanction 100 quarters for Fire and Rescue Services Personnel every year to be constructed by the Tamil Nadu Police Housing Corporation. 777 quarters are available at present as against 6,288 officers and personnel of this Department who are entitled to rent-free quarters. This works out to 12.48% level of satisfaction. As the rate of constructing 100 quarters per year for its personnel was slow, the Government issued orders to increase the number from 100 to 200 quarters every year from 2001-2002 onwards. Accordingly, the Government issued orders on 7.12.2001 for construction of 200 quarters at Mettupalayam, Thirupathur, Palani, Mannargudi, Gummidipoondi, Virudhachalam, Rameswaram, Vandavasi, Namakkal, Maraimalai Nagar, Dharapuram, Ambasamudram and Virudhunagar at an estimated cost of Rs. 6.95 crores.

(1) The Government in G.O. Ms.No. 618, Home (Police. XVII) Department, Dated 2.7.2001, has issued orders renaming the existing Tamil Nadu Fire Service Department as “ Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services Department”, and renaming of posts in the Department, so that its role in fire fighting and rescue is properly understood and appreciated by the people.

(2) The Government in G.O.Ms.No. 757, Home (Police-XVII) Dated 9.8.2001 has sanctioned procurement of 18 Water Tenders at a cost of Rs. 2.43 crores as replacements in the place of condemned ones.

(3) The Government in G.O.Ms.No. 778, Home (Modern) Department Dated 16.8.2001 has sanctioned the construction of building for 34 Stations at an estimated cost of Rs. 6 crores during the financial years 2001-2002 & 2002-2003. Further, the Government has also sanctioned procurement of fire fighting equipment at an estimated cost of Rs. 2 crores during the financial years 2002-2003 and 2003-2004.

(4) The Government in G.O.Ms.No. 973, Home (Police-XVII) Department, dated 3.10.2001 has sanctioned construction of a shed for stationing the Bronto Sky Lift i.e. Hydraulic Platform-cum-Turn Table Ladder (42 mt) at Kilpauk Station at an estimated cost of Rs. 12.50 lakhs.

(5) The Government, in G.O.Ms.No. 1304, Home (Police-XVII) Department, dated 27.12.2001 has issued orders approving the scheme of providing 233 static, 263 mobile and 233 portable Hi-Band VHF sets at an estimated cost of Rs. 2.05 crores for all the Fire and Rescue Services Stations in the State in a phased manner over a period of two years.

(7) Since a large number of persons are in the waiting list for consideration for appointment on compassionate grounds, the Government in G.O. Ms.No. 514, Home (Police-XVII) Department, dated 25.5.2001, has permitted the Director, Fire and Rescue Services, to give them appointment as Firemen as a special case.

(8) The Government issued orders on 12.10.2001, to enable women candidates to compete for the post of Divisional Officer, Station Officer and as Firefighters. The Government of Tamil Nadu is the first State in the country to issue orders for induction of women also as fire fighters.

(9) The Government has decided to increase the construction of quarters for the personnel from 100 to 200 per year from 2001-2002 onwards and accordingly issued orders in G.O.Ms.No. 1214, Home (Police-XVII) Department, dated 7.12.2001, for construction of 200 quarters at Mettupalayam, Thirupathur, Palani, Mannargudi, Gummidipoondi, Virudhachalam, Rameswaram, Vandavasi, Namakkal, Maraimalai Nagar, Dharapuram, Ambasamudaram and Virudhunagar at an estimated cost of Rs. 6.95 crores.

(10) In order to spur and motivate the Fire and Rescue Services Personnel and to encourage them to excel in the performance of their duties, Government in G.O.Ms.No. 630, Home (SC) Department Dated 5.7.2001, has instituted a Medal called “ The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Fire Service Medal for Excellence” to be conferred on the members of the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Subordinate Services. Three Medals will be awarded each year and each medal will be of 22 carat gold weighing 8 grams. Further, this Medal will carry a lumpsum grant for the different ranks, as indicated below:-

(11) The Government in G.O.Ms.No. 33, Home (Police-XVII) Department, dated 11.1.2002 has issued orders to enhance the rate of feeding charges from Rs.9/- to Rs.50/- per day (i.e.) on par with police personnel.

(12) The Government in G.O.Ms.No.1273, Home (Police-XVII) Department, dated 20.12.2001 has issued orders to enhance the weekly off-duty remuneration to the Fire and Rescue personnel from Rs.10/- to Rs.50/- per day (i.e.) on par with police personnel.

(13) The Government in G.O.Ms.No. 1222, Home (Police- XVII) Department, dated 11.12.2001 has issued orders to enhance the existing relief given to the Fire and Rescue Services Personnel who die in harness as follows: -

(14) The Government in G.O.Ms.No. 1236, Home (Police-XVII) Department, dated: 13.12.2001 has issued orders to enhance the Government grant of Rs.3,00,000/- to Rs 4,00,000/- to the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services Benevolent Fund.

(15) The Government has decided to sanction the procurement of V.H.F. Hi-Band Wireless sets with repeaters including Mobile sets, Static sets and Walkie Talkies at an estimated cost of Rs.155 lakhs and procurement of 9 H.F. sets at an estimated cost of Rs.16.06 lakhs in order to strengthen the communication net work and to reduce the response time.

(16) The Government has decided to procure 3 Water Lorries, 12 Ambulances, 1 Wireless Car and 2 Motor Cycles as replacements in the place of condemned ones and to purchase one Small Foam Tender with accessories for the Egmore Fire and Rescue Services Station at an estimated cost of Rs.128.94 lakhs for effective fire fighting / rescue work.

(17) The Government is aware that sanctioning more and more Fire and Rescue Services Stations alone is not the answer to meet the challenges of a fast growing society. Many areas of Government, the Public Sector and the Private Sector also have a role to play. The existing Fire Service Act needs revision and so do many other related Acts like the Tamil Nadu Slum Area (Improvement & Clearance) Act 1971, Explosives Act 1884, and Explosives Rules 1983, Tamil Nadu Cinemas (Regulations) Act 1955, and Tamil Nadu Cinemas (Regulations) Rules 1957, etc. Many schemes of the Government have to be dove-tailed with fire safety and rescue measures. The activities of NGOs have to be harnessed in these areas. Town planning regulations may need modification. To study all these and make recommendations for a proper and regulated Fire and Rescue Service and fire safety, the Government is actively contemplating the setting up of a high powered Commission.

It was indicated in the Policy Note for 2001-2002 tabled in the house on 1.9.2001 that Fire Prevention Training is being imparted to the Women of the Self Help Groups (SHGs) sponsored by the Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women throughout Tamil Nadu. This effort is going on and thousands of rural women have been given hands-on training in fire prevention techniques. These efforts will be re-doubled, so that fire safety is made part and parcel of rural life.

The Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services Department has also started a novel evacuation drill and mock fire fighting operation in slums to train the slum-dwellers in self help, in cases of accidents by fire and to come to the assistance of the Fire Brigade while fighting slum fires. It is hoped that by such exercises, the level of awareness in these high risk areas will improve.

Deepavali is an annual celebration all over India and is an occasion for rejoicing by people of all age groups. Use of fire crackers during these festivities is an old practice. However, indiscriminate use of these fire crackers has caused serious accidents in the past and people have died in large numbers in the resultant inferno and properties worth crores of rupees have been destroyed. At least 300 people were killed in Lima, Peru, on 29.12.2001 when 40 tons of fire works exploded, fuelling a fire that swept through a crowded commercial centre. Such accidents can take place any- where, if proper precautions are not taken. The Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services Department undertakes intensive fire safety awareness programmes as a run-up to the Deepavali festival which have helped to reduce the number of accidents year after year. The Government is examining a proposal to bring in safety regulations in the manufacture and sale, storage and use of fire crackers during the celebrations, so that Deepavali remains a joyous occasion and is not marred by accidents, fatal or otherwise.

The Tamil Nadu Government is the first State in India which has decided to induct women also as fire fighters.

The time has well and truly come for making allround changes that would make life safer for all of us, particularly from the ravages of Fire and the destruction caused by artificial and natural disasters. The Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services Force is poised to take on all the challenges that are being constantly posed to it with zeal and fervour.