Bhubaneswar, March 12: Odisha's Chief Secretary, Anu Garg, on Thursday conducted a review of the state’s Fire and Emergency Services, underscoring the urgent need to implement effective measures to reduce drowning deaths.
The meeting, held at Lok Seva Bhavan, saw key officials, including Dr. Sudhanshu Shadangi, Director General of Odisha Fire Services, present an overview of the services’ current efforts and strategic plans.
Dr. Shadangi highlighted that the Odisha Fire Services plays a pivotal role in disaster management, legally mandated to respond first to a wide range of emergencies, including fire accidents, road mishaps, railway accidents, building collapses, and drowning incidents. On average, the state’s fire services handle over 200 emergency calls each day, offering crucial rescue operations not just for humans, but also animals.
"Saving lives, whether human or animal, is central to our mission. The Odisha Fire Services have rescued thousands in critical situations, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to public welfare," said Dr. Shadangi.
In 2025, Odisha Fire Services responded to 20,991 fire-related incidents, rescuing assets worth ₹598 crore and saving over a hundred lives. Notably, 9,547 people and 16,399 animals were successfully rescued during various emergency situations.
To bolster the effectiveness of fire and emergency response, the state has taken significant steps, such as the establishment of a 24/7 ‘State Command Center’ at Baramunda in Bhubaneswar, which ensures swift, coordinated action in emergencies. Additionally, the Chief Minister inaugurated a specialized search and rescue center at Ramchandi near Konark in December 2025, designed for underwater rescue and diving operations—a first of its kind in the region.
Recognizing the importance of readiness in the face of drowning deaths, the Chief Secretary emphasized strengthening rescue operations at aquatic locations. Collaborating with the Odisha Tourism Department, the Fire Services have introduced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to train and certify lifeguards in the tourism and hotel industry. This marks a pioneering effort in reducing drowning incidents in Odisha, aligning with the state's growing tourism sector.
Further efforts include the formation of a ‘K-9’ dog squad, comprising 10 trained dogs deployed across key cities for search and rescue operations. Moreover, the newly launched Fire Services Portal 2.0 has streamlined the processing of fire safety licenses, helping accelerate safety measures across the state.
In a bid to encourage gender equality, the Chief Secretary also introduced the term “Fire Warriors” for all fire service personnel, highlighting their indispensable contributions to public safety. This change aims to empower workers with greater responsibilities while fostering a more inclusive work environment.
During the meeting, Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department, Hemant Sharma, reiterated the fire service’s vital role across multiple sectors, including tourism and industry. He stressed the importance of continuous skill development and training for fire service personnel to keep pace with evolving emergency demands.
As part of the ongoing efforts, a specialized training and rehabilitation center for injured fire service workers is also being set up, ensuring that their health and well-being are prioritized. This long-term initiative aims to further enhance the capabilities of Odisha's Fire and Emergency Services, ultimately saving more lives, preventing accidents, and reducing drowning deaths in the state.
