With Karnataka witnessing rapid industrialisation, urbanisation, and the growth of technology-driven startups, it is imperative to reassess and strengthen the State’s Fire and Disaster Management Services in line with the increasing population and expanding industrial ecosystem, said Priyank Kharge, Minister for Home, Information Technology & Biotechnology, and e-Governance.
The Minister visited the Headquarters of the Karnataka State Fire and Emergency Services (KSFES) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) today, where he received a comprehensive presentation from senior officials on the department’s functioning, infrastructure, manpower, training, modernisation initiatives, and future development plans. Officials also briefed him on the department’s history, organisational structure, operational framework, status of fire stations, modern firefighting vehicles and equipment, training programmes, digital initiatives, and the operational capabilities of the SDRF.
In view of the State’s future requirements, the Minister directed officials to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for strengthening Fire and Disaster Management Services. He instructed them to develop a long-term strategy encompassing modern technology, infrastructure, human resources, training, and enhanced emergency response capabilities.
Addressing the meeting, Shri Priyank Kharge assured that the Government would take appropriate steps to fill vacant posts in a phased manner and establish new fire stations wherever required. He further stated that the Government would positively consider proposals relating to the promotion, service conditions, and welfare measures of officers and personnel of the department.
During the presentation, officials informed the Minister that the department currently operates 219 fire stations, six Fire Control Units, a Fire Service Training Academy, a fleet of modern firefighting and rescue vehicles, advanced rescue equipment, the Agni-2 digital service platform, and five companies of the State Disaster Response Force. They also briefed him on the ongoing initiatives for constructing new fire stations, procuring modern vehicles, and implementing various departmental modernisation projects.
The Minister also directed officials to prepare a comprehensive action plan for the effective utilisation of the Home Guards in public safety and emergency response. He instructed the department to submit a proposal to the Government for enhancing the honorarium and improving the service benefits of Home Guards personnel.
Expressing concern over the increasing number of accidents caused by domestic LPG gas leaks, Shri Kharge suggested introducing specialised technical training for Fire and Emergency Services personnel. He further advised officials to engage with LPG marketing companies to explore the possibility of funding such training programmes through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives or other appropriate mechanisms.
Emphasising the critical role of Fire and Emergency Services in safeguarding the lives and property of citizens, the Minister stated that the State Government remains committed to further strengthening the department through modern technology, adequate manpower, continuous training, and robust infrastructure. He assured that all proposals aimed at improving the department would be examined on priority.
The meeting was attended by Director General of Police Prashant Kumar Thakur, Additional Director General of Police M. Nanjundaswamy, and other senior officers of the Karnataka State Fire and Emergency Services Department.
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