Mayor lauds BJP leader’s fire safety proposal at SMC meet
The Statesman | 1 November 2025
Residents of Siliguri on Thursday witnessed contrasting scenes at the Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC) board meeting, chaired by mayor Goutam Deb of the Trinamul Congress.
While CPI-M councillors staged a walkout midway through the meeting, a notable moment came when the mayor appreciated a proposal made by Leader of Opposition, BJP councillor Amit Jain on strengthening fire safety measures across the city.
Raising the issue during the meeting, Mr Jain highlighted the rising number of fire incidents in Siliguri — including in market areas and even private hospitals — and the recurring difficulties faced by fire service personnel in reaching congested localities. He pointed out that in many cases, the lack of accessible water sources in market zones further hampers firefighting efforts.
Describing Siliguri as a rapidly expanding yet largely unplanned city, Mr Jain proposed that the corporation conduct a comprehensive survey of all godowns — both legal and illegal — to assess their fire safety preparedness. He suggested that SMC convene a joint meeting with the fire service department and local stakeholders to develop a concrete action plan. He also recommended setting up dedicated water sources in densely populated areas with major marketplaces to facilitate firefighting.
Responding to the Opposition leader’s suggestions, mayor Goutam Deb acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and expressed appreciation for the proposals. “This is indeed a burning concern for Siliguri. The corporation has already begun working on ways to strengthen fire safety arrangements, especially in slum areas,” Mr Deb said.
The mayor further informed that he had requested fire service officials to conduct safety audits in hospitals, including government-run facilities, to identify and address potential fire hazards. He assured that SMC would soon initiate necessary steps in coordination with relevant agencies to enhance the city’s firefighting infrastructure and preparedness.