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Odisha Governor calls for preventive fire audits in higher education institutions to enhance safety

Published By : admin | September 4, 2025 7:13 AM
Odisha Governor calls for preventive fire audits in higher education institutions to enhance safety

Bhubaneswar, Sept 4: Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati on Wednesday emphasised the importance of conducting preventive fire audits in all higher education institutions, especially those with large auditoriums, to bolster safety measures and disaster preparedness.

The Governor made these remarks during a detailed presentation on Disaster Preparedness and Response by the Fire and Emergency Services Department at Raj Bhavan.

Governor Kambhampati highlighted that fire audits are crucial for identifying potential risks early, ensuring prompt corrective actions, and improving evacuation routes. "Proactively addressing these risks ensures safer evacuation procedures, reduces the chance of injuries or fatalities, minimises property damage, and fosters a culture of safety among both staff and students," he stated.

During the presentation, officials from the Fire and Emergency Services Department showcased their state-of-the-art equipment, including Robotic Monitors, Advanced Rescue Tenders, Incident Command Vehicles, Hydraulic Platforms, and other modern machinery. The Governor inquired about the procurement of additional equipment and the department's plans for future upgrades.

The department also briefed the Governor on key initiatives, such as the National Water Rescue and Watermanship Centre at Ramchandi, Puri, and the deployment of the K-9 Squad, which made Odisha the first state in the country to have such a unit.

Governor Kambhampati expressed his appreciation for the department's efficiency and innovative measures, including online fire licensing, third-party audits, and overall preparedness, which have positioned Odisha as a model state in disaster management.

The Governor also inspected the advanced features of the Command Vehicle during the meeting.

The session was attended by several senior officials, including DG Fire Services, Home Guards and Civil Defense Director Sudhanshu Sarangi, Commissioner-cum-Secretary to the Governor Roopa Roshan Sahoo, DIG Fire & Emergency Services & Home Guards Umashankar Dash, and other senior officials.