Kolkata: For the first time in the state, the state fire and emergency services department will introduce SIM-based walkie-talkies to be used on an experimental basis during Durga Puja to enhance emergency communication, including transferring data and live photos online. The authorities will also introduce 50 new bikes on the streets for firefighters and will start conducting inspections of the pandals across the city from Monday.
Fire and emergency services department minister Sujit Bose said the department will use 20 SIM-based walkie-talkies during puja. “Through this system, officers in the fire control room will be able to know if any fire incident occurs in the districts,” Bose said, adding that two new fire stations — in Birbhum’s Dubrajpur and Alipurduar’s Birpara — are slated to be inaugurated before puja.
Officials said about 10 such walkie-talkies will be used in different parts of the city and the rest will be used in the districts. “Apart from communicating, officers on the spot will be able to transfer live data and photos of any fire incident directly to the control room. As of now, the SIM-based walkie-talkies will be hired for use on a trial basis. If successful, the department plans to procure such walkie talkies for regular use,” said a senior fire department official.
Officials said apart from the 162 existing fire stations across the state, 96 temporary fire stations will be set up in the city and across the districts to manage emergency situations. Besides, the fire and emergency services department will also organise awareness campaigns and will set up about 29 kiosks near different puja pandals.