Correspondent
Advisor for Fire & Emergency Services (F&ES), Pohwang Konyak inaugurated the F&ES directorate building, New capital complex, Kohima (below NBCC convention hall), here, on Monday.
Speaking at the inaugural programme, the advisor expressed his happiness since a dream had finally come to reality after 30 years.
He disclosed that as per national standard, the state should have 48 fire stations, however, till 2010, only eight stations were established. During 2011-2022, the department constructed 10 fire stations and at present, there are 18 in the state with three more to be inaugurated, the advisor informed.
He also disclosed that the department was pursuing a training institute with regard to fire and safety and sought for the cooperation of the public.
Advisor for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Dr. Neikiesalie Nicky Kire also appealed to the public to take care of government-created assets in respective areas.
The programme was chaired by Neilasa Sopfii and invocation was offered by UBC associate pastor Visato Yhoshu. After the programme, demonstrations on fire safety measures in government buildings were also carried out by representatives. It may be mentioned that the directorate building was designed by the office of the superintending engineer, Police Engineering Project, Kohima. The directorate is a three–storeyed building with a total project cost of Rs.1085.90 lakh and was funded under negotiated loan with Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) Limited.
The construction of the directorate building was allotted to M/S P. Suohu, a class-I registered contractor while the works began from June 16, 2016 and was completed under the supervision of SE (PEP) and his officers along with technical officers of F&ES department.
Nagaland Fire & Emergency Act likely to be introduced this year
Fire and Emergency services inspector general, Neilasa Sopfii disclosed that the department was pursuing Nagaland Fire and Emergency Act under the guidance of Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA).
He said that Act was expected to be realised this year. Sopfii also informed that a model fire station in Kohima would be established and works had already begun. He also pointed out that the department would be one of the revenue generating sectors since they take preventive measures and control fire damages.