After a series of escalating fire incidents across Kolkata and its surrounding areas, the West Bengal government said it is planning to propose the construction of 25 new fire stations across the state.
State Fire and Emergency Services Minister Sujit Bose addressed the West Bengal Assembly on Tuesday, defending his department’s response to a blaze on Monday at a market in Kolkata’s Khidderpore which reportedly destroyed around 1,300 shops.
Minister Bose, while rejecting allegations of delayed response and negligence, stated that the new fire stations would be established in districts such as Howrah, Hooghly, North 24 Parganas, Malda, Uttar Dinajpur, Birbhum, and Purba Bardhaman. Notably, one of the proposed stations will be strategically located near Nabanna, the state secretariat in Howrah.
Other specific locations mentioned include Dhaniyakhali in Hooghly, Barjora in Bankura, Narayangarh in Paschim Medinipur, and Itahat in Uttar Dinajpur.
During the Assembly session, the Opposition criticised the fire department’s handling of the Khidderpore incident, alleging the late arrival of fire tenders, insufficient water, and a breakdown of one of the engines. In response, Minister Bose stated that three fire tenders were immediately dispatched upon receiving the emergency call at 2:05 pm, with more engines sent subsequently. He affirmed the presence of senior officials, Mayor Firhad Hakim, and even Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the site.
Addressing concerns about water supply and fuel, Bose firmly said “there was sufficient water, and the pumps had fuel.” He attributed any initial pump malfunction to silt entering the system during the suction process, vowing to “investigate” the issue. “Just like our soldiers at the border, our firemen work under extreme risk, putting their lives on the line. Do not belittle their courage and sacrifice,” he urged.
The planned expansion of fire infrastructure comes in the wake of numerous major fire incidents in the past six months, which have resulted in fatalities and injuries. These incidents include a significant fire at an abandoned factory in Rajabazar last October, requiring six fire tenders. Days later, 15 tenders were deployed to extinguish a blaze at Tiretti Bazar on Ezra Street. A slum fire on Prince Anwar Shah Road also injured one person
This year alone, major fires have been reported in areas such as Park Circus, Sealdah ESI Hospital, Narkeldanga, Park Street, and Pathuriaghata. Incidents in the Narkeldanga slum and Pathuriaghata in Jorabagan claimed three lives.
Residents allege that while fire safety norms are adhered to for obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and licenses, “compliance often lapses” once permissions are secured.