Bhubaneswar: Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati Wednesday urged the Fire and Emergency Services department to carry out preventive fire audits in all Higher Education institutions, with special focus on those having large auditoriums. He made the remarks during a presentation on Disaster Preparedness and Response by the Fire and Emergency Services department at Raj Bhavan’s conference hall. The session highlighted the department’s equipment, staffing, training programmes, and future plans.
The Governor stressed the importance of conducting preventive fire audits in educational institutions, saying such inspections help identify risks and enable timely corrective measures. He noted that addressing hazards in advance ensures safer evacuation routes, reduces the chances of injuries or fatalities, minimises property loss, and strengthens overall emergency preparedness while fostering a culture of safety among staff and students. During the presentation, officials showcased the department’s modern equipment, including Robotic Monitors, Advanced Rescue Tenders, Incident Command Vehicles, Hydraulic Platforms, and other advanced machinery. Governor Kambhampati also sought updates on the procurement of additional equipment and the department’s plans for future upgrades.
The Governor was briefed on the National Water Rescue and Watermanship Centre at Ramchandi, Puri, and informed about the deployment of the K-9 Squad, making Odisha the first state to set up such a unit. He appreciated initiatives like the fully online fire licensing system, third-party agency engagement, and Odisha’s disaster preparedness, noting that the state has become a model for others. The Governor also inspected the Command Vehicle and its advanced features.
