![\"Meeting](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-130316559,imgsize-16342,width-400,height-225,resizemode-72\/img_taranjit_singh_sandh_2_1_mik7q1g1jpg.jpg\" "\\"File")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\nNew Delhi: <\/span>Adding over 36 new fire stations to Delhi\u2019s existing 71 \u2014 the last one was opened in 2011 \u2014 to cater to its growing population is among a raft of plans in the works to strengthen the city\u2019s 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.\u201cIt 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,\u201d 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\u2019s 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 \u201cserious lapse\u201d 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\u2019s emergency response system.\u201cWhile 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<\/a>, every regulatory framework must promote \u2018ease of living\u2019 and \u2018ease of doing business\u2019 \u2014 ensuring robust fire safety without creating unnecessary hurdles for citizens,\u201d Sandhu posted.He also reviewed the department\u2019s 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 \u2014 especially in areas identified as fire-prone hotspots.\u201cHe 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,\u201d said the officials.<\/div>\n