Hazaribag: A severe manpower shortage in the district fire services has raised concerns over safety arrangements during Durga Puja. Only 15 personnel are available against 35 sanctioned posts, making it difficult to inspect pandals, enforce safety norms and respond swiftly to emergencies.The shortage is particularly acute in Hazaribag Sadar subdivision, including the town, where 186 pandals are expected to attract thousands of devotees.The district has seven fire tenders stationed at Hazaribag Sadar and Barhi fire stations. Officials fear deployment could be affected if multiple incidents occur simultaneously.The Sadar fire station, which covers 11 blocks, has four tenders — two large and two small. However, only 10 personnel are available against 23 sanctioned posts. Several areas under its jurisdiction are far from the district headquarters, raising concerns over response time.Barhi fire station covers five blocks and has three tenders — one large and two small. Against five sanctioned posts, only three personnel are available.“The manpower crunch had stalled plans to deploy a fire tender at Barkattha during the festival. Inspecting all pandals has also become difficult due to the shortage,” said Barhi fire station officer in-charge Dilip Kumar Sahu.Sadar subdivision fire officer Shailendra Kishore said adequate manpower was essential for operating tenders and handling emergencies. “The department is working with available resources to ensure smooth and safe celebrations,” he said.The department has issued safety guidelines to puja committees and written to police station in-charges to ensure compliance. Officials have stressed proper electrical wiring, adequate fire extinguishers and unobstructed emergency exits at pandals.
