Odisha Fire Services to Intensify Operations, Focus on Drowning Prevention
Bhubaneswar: Chief Secretary Anu Garg chaired a high-level review meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan, emphasising the urgent need to curb drowning deaths and strengthen Odisha Fire Services.
Director General Dr Sudhanshu Sarangi highlighted the department’s frontline role in disaster management, handling over 200 emergency calls daily.
In 2025 alone, fire services responded to 20,991 fire-related incidents, saving assets worth Rs 598 crore and rescuing 9,547 people and 16,399 animals.
The state currently operates 346 fire stations, supported by a 24×7 Command Centre in Bhubaneswar.
Specialised initiatives include an underwater search and rescue training centre at Ramchandi, deployment of K-9 squads, and the launch of Fire Service Portal 2.0 for licensing and renewals.
Recruitment of 911 new “Agni Yoddhas” (fire warriors) is underway, with plans to induct women into the force.
Civil Defence integration, advanced training in scuba diving and first aid, and an Injury Management & Rehabilitation Centre are also being prioritised.
Odisha has become the first state to sign an MoU with the Tourism Department to certify lifeguards in hotels and tourist destinations.
Modernisation efforts include incident command vehicles, PPE kits, fitness checks, and advanced rescue equipment.
Chief Secretary Garg stressed drowning prevention as a governance priority, urging proactive measures like water rescue and snakebite response training.
Additional Chief Secretary Hemant Sharma praised the fire warriors’ contributions beyond fire safety, assuring continued support for resources and skill development.
