Efforts on to open more fire stations: CM Biren
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 01 2023: Chief minister N Biren Singh has informed the state assembly that efforts are on to set up new fire stations/ sub-stations in every district in addition to the existing ones to cover all parts of the state.

In his reply to a question raised by opposition's K Ranjit regarding upgrade of fire fighting equipment in the assembly on Wednesday, CM Biren said that 17 fire stations/sub-stations out of the total 29 in the state are functional while the remaining 12 fire station/sub-statiqns are inoperative.

However, government is working on improving infrastructure and equipment of the fire stations in the state.

Under the Expanding of Modernization of Fire Service of the 15th Finance Commission, a proposal amounting Rs 93,33,86,960 has been made for revival of all the non-functional fire sub-stations and improving infrastructure and equipment.

Construction of temporary garage cum dormitory for opening of new fire stations, procurement of 16 fire tenders, 16 portable fire pumps and eight Bolero Campers for mounting fire pumps are under process, he said.

While informing that fire stations have been opened in 12 districts of the state while Pherzawl, Kamjong, Imphal East and Noney districts are yet to have one, the chief minister said that proposal for opening of fire stations for Imphal East and Noney had already been made and efforts are on to open fire stations at the district headquarters of Kamjong and Pherzawl.

In his reply to another question by Opposition member Th Lokeshwar regarding opening of fire sub station in Khundrakpam AC, CM Biren said it would not be right to open fire sub station in every assembly constituency but assured of looking into feasibility of opening a fire sub-station for Khundrakpam AC in view of vastness of the AC.

Replying to a question by MLA Sheikh Noorul Hassan regarding the hit and run case of late Md Ayas Uddin, the CM said that investigation of the case is going on in full swing.

In his reply to Th Lokeshwar on Manipur State Road Development Agency (MSRDA), RD & PR minister Y Khemchand said that there is no programme both at the Centre and in the state for special maintenance of roads constructed by MSRDA more than 10 years ago.

Responding to a question raised by MLA Paolienlal Haokip, TA & H minister Letpao Kipgen said that the Manipur Tribal Development Corporation (MTDC) is a functional corporation, a state PSU under the department of Tribal Affairs & Hills.

He said that the National Scheduled Tribe Finances and Development Corporation (NSTFDC) used to get huge fund from the Centre in the past and the corporation had provided loan amounting Rs 6.68 crore between the year 1993 to 1995 to different sections of the society but the corporation has ceased operating in the state after loan borrowers did not repay the loan amount taken.

Government wants to revive the corporation but no discussion has been made till date, he said and assured of looking into the matter in consultation with members of the House.

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