MUMBAI
Dousing fire in unauthorised basements, shopping malls and chawls posed some serious hurdles for firemen this summer.
Dousing fire in unauthorised basements, shopping malls and chawls posed some serious hurdles for firemen this summer. With the onset of monsoon, the emergency calls doubled, but left them unfazed about the newer challenges they have been faced with. In an interview with DNA, Uday Tatkare, chief fire officer (CFO), talks about the new role of firemen as 'lifeguards' to man the city's beaches, and on other future plans.
The past few months have been challenging for the fire brigade. How has the department coped?
I've faced a lot of challenges as CFO. But, by virtue of 30 years' experience and cooperation from colleagues, I've not faced any major problems. We have been giving really good service. Even in the Gold Mohur textile mill fire case, we found out the real cause of fire. The investigation by the fire personnel was up to the mark. Forensic reports had indicated that kerosene fuelled the blaze at the defunct mill and it was ascertained that a sabotage was involved. But, all doubts concerning this case were quelled by the fire department.
How many emergency calls does the fire brigade get in a day?
In Mumbai, emergency calls including of fires, are 40-45 a day. In the rainy season, the calls go up to 110 calls. We have adequate staff and are rendering good service to the public.
What are the new avenues explored by the fire brigade?
Beach safety is a new task. Previously, it was handled by the health department of the corporation. My staff was prepared for flood rescue, but now is all geared up for beach safety as well. There are international surveys done by our officers and we have prepared standard operating procedures for individual beaches along with assistance from assistant commissioners of that particular ward. Where beach safety is concerned the beaches were manned by six lifeguards. We are now recruiting 23 lifeguards on contract basis and 13 lifeguards on a permanent payroll.
Are there any lessons learnt during your tenure as CFO?
The Goyal shopping centre, where we lost our assistant station officer Pradeep Zagade has been an eye-opener. The basement issue was raised by all fire officers. So, action was initiated against all shopping malls. Notices were issued to them. Wherever there were lacunae found, notices were issued under the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act. Now, our endeavour is to make malls much safer.
There are talks about a demand for insurance schemes for firemen?
There was a meeting with the law committee a few days ago. We have demanded a death compensation formula. In case of firemen falling in the young age bracket, they will be eligible for higher benefits from the corporation. The family of Zagade, who lost his life, got Rs16 lakh from the BMC. There is also no coverage for partial disability. We have also demanded coverage for that and raised the issue of good treatment in private hospitals.
Could you throw light on the road ahead...
There are plans to set up six command centres, which will be finalised by the year end. Mumbai will be divided into six zones. Vikhroli, Wadala and Byculla zones will be commissioned this year. These command centres will be self-sufficient and will be able to handle any kind of emergency, be it floods, fires and earthquakes. This will save a lot of time.
Bengaluru cops stop Ed Sheeran's street performance, video goes viral - Watch
YouTuber Gaurav Taneja reveals he was 'shocked' over his wife's decision to...
Teddy Day 2025: Date, history and significance of the fourth day of Valentine’s week
'Sugar is the biggest toxin...': Naga Chaitanya calls sugar more toxic than alcohol and tobacco
‘Over for Blinkit, Zepto’, this startup claims ‘delivering humans’ in 10 minutes, shocks netizens
Pratik Gandhi on his struggles, managing job with acting: 'Chaar gante sona luxury tha' | Exclusive
Why did Kumar Vishwas' wife cry after Manish Sisodia lost Delhi Elections: 'Not always power...'
'Fast and Furious' cars collision creates a Rohit Shetty scene on Indian road, viral video
'Go to the room, cry...': Salman Khan's wisdom on love, breakup is all you need this Valentine's Day
Parvesh Verma, BJP leader who defeated Arvind Kejriwal, makes BIG claim, says, 'we have to do...'
Sumona Chakravarti on joining Kapil Sharma show: 'Went from Ram Kapoor's sister to...'
Is Elon Musk still interested in buying TikTok? Tesla CEO provides BIG update, claims...
Groom's mother and mama join hands to burn the dance floor down, viral video sets internet on fire
What is historic 'Blue Gold', costlier than real gold?
Salman Khan opens up about his daddy issues with Salim Khan: 'How can he be right all the time...'
Powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake jolts Caribbean, tsunami advisory issued
Salman Khan supports Sooaj Barjatya, pens note on his OTT debut, calls his show Bada Naam Karenge...
Little girl's energetic dance to 'London Thumakda' leaves netizens in awe, WATCH viral video
Meet man who left IIT, later earned Rs 286 crore in just 20 weeks by...
Viral Video: Sadhus playing cricket at Mahakumbh mela wins hearts online, watch
Happy Chocolate Day 2025: Wishes, WhatsApp messages, quotes to share with your partner on February 9
Meet woman, who plays key role in Rs 33661 crore company, daughter of billionaire
Vicky Kaushal and Akshaye Khanna didn't talk to each other on the Chhaava sets because...
Nita Ambani, Nick Jonas share candid moments at Siddharth Chopra's wedding, WATCH viral video
UPSC Civil Services Prelims Exam 2025 registration date extended by 7 days; apply at upsc.gov.in
'Fight for progress of Delhi will continue', says LoP Rahul Gandhi after Congress's Delhi debacle
Namma Metro Fare Update: Travel rides get costlier by 50 per cent from THIS date; check details
'AAP-Da Mukt Delhi': PM Modi hails BJP's resounding victory in assembly polls 2025
'He is fit to...': India batting coach shares BIG update on Virat Kohli ahead of IND vs ENG 2nd ODI
IND vs ENG: Rohit Sharma on cusp of breaking Sachin Tendulkar's record in elite openers list
NASA confirms Sunita Williams' return date, denies US President Trump’s ‘stranded’ claim
Meet man whose airline went bankrupt, still has Rs 43894 crore net worth, he is...
Ranji Trophy: Suryakumar Yadav's horror show with bat continues, India star clean bowled for just...
Chocolate Day 2025: 5 easy homemade chocolate recipes to impress your partner
Mass layoffs at Infosys as company terminates 700 freshers over...
Priyanka Chopra wears 62-emerald bead Bvlgari necklace at her brother's wedding
Chocolate Day 2025: Date, significance, history and celebration ideas
Meet Swati Singh, wife of BJP's Parvesh Verma, who defeated Arvind Kejriwal by 4089 votes
Meet man, son of world’s richest woman, he is set to take over Rs 1642000 crore empire as...
SHOCKING! Bride's family cancels wedding at last moment over groom's low...
Nita Ambani, Shloka Mehta stun in gorgeous sarees at Priyanka Chopra's brother's wedding
Meet Trisha and Sanidhi, daughters of BJP's Parvesh Verma, who defeated Arvind Kejriwal
New entrant in grocery quick-commerce, ready to compete with industry giants
Transforming the news and media industry with Generative AI: Expert insights by Sanjay Jain
Dr Tanvi Tijoriwala, ND shedsputs light on balancing skin barrier during rising temperatures
How PM Modi's magic shattered Arvind Kejriwal and his third-term hope in Delhi?