Fire Department: The fool who doesn't buy new fire engines even when they are old

The latest incident is proof that the condition of the Andhra Pradesh Fire Department has deteriorated to the lowest level. Most of the fire engines in the state are old vehicles. AP is one of the states in Southeast India that experiences the most rains and floods. But the condition of the fire fighters hereispathetic. More than 60 percent of the 230 fire engines are old. As per the instructions of the Transport Department, they have stopped issuing fitness certificates to them. Earlier, the Center announced a plan to modernize the Fire Department with Rs. 252 crore.Of this, the Center's share is Rs. 189 crore, while the state has to give Rs. 63 crore. The Chandrababu government has also approved this. It has also given orders for action on issues such as the purchase of 125 new fire engines, construction of 17 fire stations, purchase of 60 boats, shoes, protective kits, and development of the Dhulapally Training Center.

Even though funds were sanctioned, no tenders were called.

In August last year itself, the Centre released Rs 58 crore under the first tranche of funds, while the state government paid Rs 17 crore. A total of Rs 75 crore has to be spent. But the tender process has not yet started. This is evidence of the negligence of the officials. Officials are warning that the state may face an additional burden of Rs 500 crore over time due to lack of funds. States like Telangana, Karnataka and Odisha have already spent their first tranche of funds and sent utilization certificates. But Andhra Pradesh is still lagging behind without spending a single penny. There is a risk that this will have an impact on the security of the state.

Negligence that does not care about people's lives?

The unavailability of the fire department, which should be at the forefront in times of disaster, is causing people to lose trust in the government. During disasters like rains, floods, and fires, people are left with nothing to do or have to wait. It is sad that the government machinery has not responded despite the funds being sanctioned for new vehicles, boats, and equipment.

Officials' claims that the revelation is the source

Efforts? No effort? Or is it the government's decision? Questions are now being asked among the people. If the government does not take urgent action now, it will be very difficult to face the dangerous situations in the coming months.

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