New Delhi: Adding over 36 new fire stations to Delhi’s existing 71 — the last one was opened in 2011 — to cater to its growing population is among a raft of plans in the works to strengthen the city’s fire-safety mechanism.The other plans, which were discussed at a meeting chaired by LG Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Thursday, are the integration of fire, ambulance and PCR services on a common emergency call number and increasing the number of fire subdivisions from 18 to 39 for increased operational flexibility.The LG reviewed the functioning of Delhi Fire Service and directed officials to take lessons from the recent blaze in Palam and similar accidents and modernise firefighting equipment and technology so that such tragedies are not repeated, sources said.“It was flagged in the meeting that Delhi currently has only 71 fire stations, while a 2011 study noted that at least 107 were needed to effectively cover the expanding city,” a fire department official said. Stressing that the exact current requirement must be reassessed scientifically, the LG directed officials to conduct a fresh study while factoring in population growth, urban density and the increase in the number of high-rise buildings to expand the capital’s firefighting capability and ensure faster emergency response, the official added.The LG said that a plan of action should be submitted to this effect at the earliest.Another official said that not a single fire station has been opened in the city since 2012 and called the 15-year stagnation a “serious lapse” in critical firefighting infrastructure planning.In a post on X, Sandhu said his review focused on modernisation, infrastructure upgrades and strengthening personnel capacity to enhance Delhi’s emergency response system.“While examining the proposed amendments to the Delhi Fire Service Rules, 2010, (I) emphasised the need for broad-based consultations with residents, businessmen and traders to ensure the framework is inclusive, practical and effective. Aligned with the vision of PM Modi, every regulatory framework must promote ‘ease of living’ and ‘ease of doing business’ — ensuring robust fire safety without creating unnecessary hurdles for citizens,” Sandhu posted.He also reviewed the department’s summer action plan and directed heightened vigilance in view of rising temperatures. He directed officials to focus on a comprehensive public awareness campaign to educate citizens on preventive measures, regulatory safeguards and effective emergency response practices.Those present in the meeting included the chief secretary, principal secretary (home), principal director of Delhi Fire Service, chief fire officers and other officials of the department.The LG stressed seamless backend integration of the fire, ambulance and PCR services on a common emergency call number and wanted all these services at the same location — especially in areas identified as fire-prone hotspots.“He expressed concern over the number of vacant posts against sanctioned ones at the Delhi Fire Service and wanted them to be filled at the earliest. He said that a delivery timeline in this regard should be submitted to his secretariat,” said the officials.