The heartbreaking incident at a hospital in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, the place not less than 11 new child infants had been killed in a devastating fireplace final month, has shaken your entire nation. An investigation byThe Indian Categorical famous how fireplace security rules had been less than code in hospitals the place fires have damaged out within the final 5 years typically.
Fires in hospitals will not be a brand new challenge in India, but we’re nonetheless not studying from the errors. Fireplace security measures are obligatory for all establishments, but the system stays essentially flawed because of widespread corruption in acquiring fireplace no-objection certificates.
The tragedy additionally highlights a extra troubling challenge — our nation is woefully under-resourced to deal with fires. Whether or not it’s the dearth of fireplace stations, the scarcity of skilled firefighters, or the inadequate variety of fireplace vans and tools, the gaps are obvious and put tens of millions of lives in danger.
This text attracts on information from a Rajya Sabha response to questions on fireplace security measures, exposing the numerous shortfalls in fireplace stations, firefighting automobiles, and personnel. Knowledge collected in 2018 by the Director Normal (Fireplace Providers, Civil Defence, and House Guards) reveals alarming gaps in fireplace security in comparison with the benchmarks set by the RMSI 2012 report.
Fireplace security requires each adequately skilled personnel and complex tools to combat outbreaks successfully. Based on world requirements, India would wish about one firefighter for each 1,000 folks to make sure ample protection. Given India’s inhabitants of 1.4 billion, this interprets to roughly 1.8 million firefighters. Nevertheless, the present variety of firefighters in India is barely round 3,00,000, which means we’re falling brief by about 1.5 million firefighters — a staggering hole. On common, every state is brief by 14,382 firefighters, and states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Maharashtra are dealing with the worst deficits.
Uttar Pradesh — one of many largest states — is lacking a staggering 79,866 firefighters, the very best shortfall within the nation. Bihar (44,528 lacking firefighters) and Maharashtra (42,838 lacking firefighters) will not be far behind. On common, every state is brief by 14,382 firefighters. This isn’t only a quantity — it’s lives in danger when assist doesn’t arrive in time. Whereas smaller states like Goa and Lakshadweep are faring higher, their challenges are much less vital because of their smaller dimension and inhabitants.
Along with firefighters, a set of subtle fire-fighting tools is important to minimise large-scale lack of life and property. Fireplace vans and tools are the instruments firefighters must do their jobs, however even right here, the numbers are shockingly insufficient. Uttar Pradesh wants 4,155 extra fireplace vans, making it the worst-hit state as soon as once more. Bihar (2,775 vans brief) and Maharashtra (2,640 vans brief) additionally face large shortages. On common, every state is brief by 707 fireplace vans, indicating that, even when firefighters can be found, they typically lack the automobiles and instruments wanted to reply swiftly.
A fireplace station is the central hub for firefighters — a skilled drive is stationed on excessive alert to reply quick in case a hearth breaks out. However India doesn’t have sufficient of those both. Maharashtra is lacking 917 fireplace stations, the very best within the nation, adopted by states like Rajasthan (748) and Bihar (543), which additionally face vital gaps. On common, each state is brief by 144 fireplace stations.
What does this imply for odd folks? If a hearth station is simply too distant, it takes longer for firefighters to succeed in the scene of an emergency, decreasing the possibilities of survival. States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Maharashtra — a few of the most densely populated states in India — are the worst affected, which means extra individuals are in danger. Alternatively, smaller states and union territories like Goa, Sikkim, and Lakshadweep are comparatively higher off, however that doesn’t imply they’re completely secure.
When there aren’t sufficient firefighters, vans, or fireplace stations, each second counts. Within the case of the Jhansi hospital fireplace, valuable time was misplaced, possible making the tragedy even worse. Think about ready for assist throughout a hearth, understanding it won’t arrive in time. That is the fact for tens of millions of Indians. Fires in hospitals, faculties, or crowded markets can flip lethal in a short time, particularly when the system isn’t outfitted to reply.
This example calls for pressing consideration from the state governments to speculate extra in fireplace security infrastructure, to safeguard the valuable lives of residents.
Ahamed is the Nationwide Analysis Coordinator, Pratichi Institute, and Chakraborty is Analysis Affiliate, Sabar Institute
