In Visakhapatnam, there are only four fire stations and eight engines—insufficient to meet the needs of the rapidly growing city.

Andhra Pradesh, emergency response infrastructure, Yendada, Simhachalam, IT SEZ, Nathavalasa, ASR, Fire Stations

Andhra Pradesh is set to establish 17 new fire stations in an effort to enhance its emergency response infrastructure. Of these, six stations—each equipped with one fire engine—have been planned for North Andhra. The central government has allocated Rs 2.50 billion towards this initiative, with Rs 40 million specifically designated for the North Andhra region.

The proposed locations for these new stations include Yendada, Simhachalam, the IT SEZ, Nathavalasa in Bhogapuram, Araku, and Chintur in the Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) district. The state government is responsible for appointing the required personnel, with each station expected to need more than 15 staff members. Proposals have also been submitted to ensure each of the six North Andhra stations receives a fire engine.

Currently, Andhra Pradesh has 190 fire stations, but their distribution across the 175 constituencies is uneven, leaving several areas under-served. North Andhra, in particular, suffers from a shortage of fire stations, falling short of the standard set by the Standing Fire Advisory Council, which recommends one station per 50,000 residents.

Certain districts reflect this disparity starkly. Krishna district has the highest number of fire stations, while Araku has none. Anakapalle district is served by only one fire engine, and Yelamanchali has another. Key industrial zones such as Paravada and Achuthapuram lack any fire stations altogether, despite housing major special economic zones (SEZs).

Anakapalle, with its six fire stations and six fire engines, serves over 300 pharmaceutical companies, yet the fire department frequently relies on around 10 privately operated fire engines maintained by these companies. Concerns have been raised regarding the substandard quality of these private engines.

In Visakhapatnam, there are only four fire stations and eight engines—insufficient to meet the needs of the rapidly growing city. The ASR district, characterised by its forested terrain, has only two stations and two engines, rendering many areas vulnerable to fire emergencies.

Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts are relatively better equipped, with eight stations and nine engines, and 10 stations and 11 engines, respectively. However, the pace of urbanisation continues to drive demand for a more robust fire safety infrastructure.

While the central government is funding the development of new stations and provision of fire engines, the responsibility for recruiting staff and covering their salaries and allowances lies with the state. Without prompt action on personnel appointments, there is concern that the new fire stations may not become operational. 

News source: Deccan Chronicle