Fire force fails to become hi-tech; haven't bought aerial ladder and fire fighting platform even after govt approval

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Aerial ladder and fire fighting platform for Fire force have not been bought even after months since receiving government approval. The officials said that the tender process could not be started due to technical issues and the process will begin soon. The fire force has decided to provide high-tech facilities as the rescue operations became difficult during the frequent fire in multi-storeyed commercial buildings.

The government has given approval to import aerial ladder platform for rescuing people trapped in multi-storeyed buildings and firefighting robot for rescue operations. Aerial ladder platform will be provided to Ernakulam and fire fighting robot to Thiruvananthapuram. The amount is sanctioned from the plan fund.

Aerial ladder platform

The platform which can be mounted on a vehicle, can be raised up to 60 metres. Firefighters can reach the upper floors of buildings and carry out rescue operations and move trapped people through this. The price is Rs 12 crore.

Firefighting robot

The robot, which can travel at a speed of 4 km/hour, can spray 2400 litres of water per minute for a distance of 100 meters. The robot can be controlled using a remote and is equipped with a sensor and a camera. Two firefighting robots worth Rs 2 crore are being purchased. Delhi Fire Force also has such robots.