PMC cell seeks 4 special cameras

The disaster management cell (DMC) of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has placed a proposal for thermal imaging cameras, which will be crucial in locating human beings in debris, fire and smoke or water. However, the standing committee has been sitting on the proposal for a few months.

The DMC has placed a proposal for four thermal imaging cameras each worth around Rs19 lakh. The administration has been insisting on four cameras for four zones in the city, which will cost around Rs79 lakh.

The administration has asked for two types of cameras. These cameras allow the rescuers to see through smoke, debris and water. They are used in cases where people are trapped and rescuers cannot find them, said additional municipal commissioner, Pravin Ashtikar.

Tenders had been invited for the cameras. The administration has requested that the low-cost tender from SS Phalke & Associates should be accepted and the standing committee allow the administration to sign an agreement.

The proposal remained pending due to the municipal election and code of conduct. Now as per the new GR, the standing committee cannot take any policy decisions or decisions on financial matters. It therefore seems that the administration will have to wait for another month till the new standing committee takes charge.

In the wake of the 31 fire incidents that happened in the city in a week in January this year, such modern equipment is a must for the DMC, the officials said.