Status: Not ApprovedHEAD: 24_Ahm_JP_Opposition alleges 316 vacant fire station positions despite rs 440 crore property damage in five yearsByline: None**Heading: Opposition’s Allegation of 316 Vacant Positions in Fire Stations Despite Rs 440 Crore Property Damage in 5 Years**Ahmedabad: In the General Board meeting of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation on Tuesday, issues of fire safety and dog bites were discussed. Opposition leader Shehzad Khan Pathan alleged, “In the last 5 years, property worth Rs 440 crore was damaged in fire incidents in the city, yet 316 positions in fire stations remain unfilled. Despite the increase in fire incidents, a hydraulic platform for 100-metre heights was approved 1 and a half years ago, but it is not delivered yet.” On the other hand, the Standing Committee Chairman responded, “Plans are underway to operate 1 fire station in every 10 sq km area of Ahmedabad. The process of establishing new fire stations and recruiting new staff is ongoing.”The opposition leader of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation stated, “Fire incidents are increasing in Ahmedabad, causing significant property damage. Between 2019-20 and 2023-24, property damage from fires amounted to Rs 440.91 crore. Meanwhile, key positions in fire stations remain vacant. Out of 18 fire station officer positions in 18 fire stations, only 6 are filled, leaving 12 vacant. In the Fire and Emergency Service of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, 796 positions are sanctioned, of which 316 are vacant.“The opposition leader further mentioned, “Dog bite cases are rising in Ahmedabad. From 2021-22 to 2025-26, 40,000 complaints related to dogs were recorded. During the same period, 341,000 dog bite cases were reported. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation conducted sterilisation procedures on 138,000 dogs from 2021-22 to 2025-26, incurring a cost of Rs 13.46 crore. Despite spending crores on dog sterilisation, dog bite cases are not decreasing. Cases are rising, but no effective measures are being taken by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation to address this.”He also stated, “In the last 5 years, major scams occurred in the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, including scams related to the low-quality Hatkeshwar Bridge, recruitment of technical supervisors, clinical trials at VS Hospital, and development of the Kharicut Canal.”Standing Committee Chairman Devang Dani responded to the opposition leader’s allegations, stating, “New dog shelters are being built to accommodate aggressive dogs. Guidelines following the Supreme Court’s order are being implemented.” MSID:: 128756113 413 |
