Question : DELHI FIRE SERVICE

(a) whether a decision was taken in May 1999 to install tubewells at fire stations but Delhi Fire Service has failed to implement the same, till date;

(b) whether three out of four carbondioxide foam crash tenders and five of the six turntable ladders required for fighting chemical fires and fires in high-rise buildings respectively were out of commission;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether Delhi Fire Service has failed to enforce fire safety measures in high-rise buildings, cinema halls and industrial buildings and they are unaware of the number of high-rise buildings in the Capital and has given No Objection Certificates even to the sellers of fire crackers during the last one year; and

(e) if so, the steps taken to bring about improvement in the Delhi Fire Service and to fix responsibility and accountability of the people concerned and to assure Delhites fire-free living?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS ( SHRI CH. VIDYASAGAR RAO )

(a): In pursuance of the decision taken to install tube-wells at the Fire Stations, the tube-wells have been installed and commissioned at 12 Fire Stations and the construction work has commenced at another 9 Fire Stations.

(b)&(c): Out of the four turntable ladders presently in stock, two are in working order; the third is beyond economical repairs and scheduled for condemnation; and the fourth is under repairs. Two of the three carbon dioxide foam crash tenders presently in stock have outlived their life and have been proposed for condemnation; and the third unit has been sent for major repairs.

(d): No, Sir. In so far as sale of fire crackers is concerned, the no objection certificate is given strictly in terms of the provisions of law.

(e): The steps being taken by the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi to strengthen Delhi Fire Service include establishment of new Fire Stations, procurement of new appliances and modernization communication network.