Prompted by a series of devastating fire incidents, Minister of State Fire and Emergency services, Sujit Bose announced plans of expanding and modernising the state’s fire stations. Defending his department’s response to the Khidderpore fire that destroyed over 1,300 shops, Bose unveiled the initiative. It aims to strengthen fire safety infrastructure in districts like Howrah, Hooghly, North 24 Parganas, Malda, Uttar Dinajpur, Birbhum, and Purba Bardhaman, specifically in Dhaniyakhali, Barjora, Narayangarh, and Itahat.
The decision is deemed as a response to the outcry over alleged delayed responses and inadequate fire safety measures, in the Khidderpore incident. Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari labeled it an ‘act of sabotage’. Residents expressed dissatisfaction over the lapses in fire safety compliance and post licensing. Many shops allegedly lacked insurance leading to economic losses.
The government’s move is in accordance with broader safety reforms. This includes the establishment of a task force to develope standard operating procedures for restaurants and a fire audit planned for 250 buildings in Kolkata’s Sector V. The proposal is being viewed as a strategic step to address West Bengal’s vulnerability to fires, with Kolkata and five other districts flagged as high risk for extreme heat, a factor exacerbating fire incidents.
If executed effectively, the plan could mitigate future losses and restore public trust. However, challenges could occur in the form of staunch opposition, namely by the BJP party led by Suvendu Adhikari that could complicate bipartisan support. Even funding and land acquisition could pose problems.
