Under the leadership of State Chief Secretary Smt. Anugarg, a critical review meeting concerning fire and emergency services, Home Guard, and citizen safety was held yesterday at the Lokseva Bhavan conference hall. The meeting focused on strengthening Odisha’s emergency preparedness and enhancing the effectiveness of disaster management efforts across the state.
Fire Service Strategies and Achievements
Dr. Sudhanshu Shadanghi, Director General of Odisha Fire Services, presented various initiatives aimed at increasing efficiency and readiness. According to Dr. Shadanghi, the Odisha Fire Service responds to over 200 emergency incidents daily, including fires, road accidents, rail accidents, building collapses, water rescues, and other hazards.
In 2025, the Fire Services handled nearly 20,991 fire-related incidents, preventing losses of approximately ₹598 crore and successfully rescuing hundreds of lives. Additionally, 9,547 people and 16,399 animals were saved from various emergencies, demonstrating the department’s commitment to public service and animal welfare.
Modernization and Infrastructure
To further strengthen emergency response, the Bhubaneswar Barmunda area now hosts a 24-hour operational State Command Center, enabling rapid coordination during crises. At Ramchandi near Konark, a specialized training center for water rescue and underwater operations was inaugurated in December 2025.
The Fire Services have also established a K-9 squad, deploying ten trained rescue dogs across the state. Modern tools, including incident command vehicles and advanced control rooms, ensure fast monitoring and response.
Training and Capacity Building
The Fire Services have implemented extensive training programs for their personnel. Specialized training batches cover scuba diving, first aid, search and rescue, fire-fighter training, disaster response, K-9 handling, and command center operations.
911 new fire personnel have been recruited and deployed statewide. Measures have also been taken to ensure health monitoring, injury recovery, and rehabilitation for firefighters, maintaining their readiness for emergency operations.
Public Awareness and Citizen Safety
The Odisha Fire Services have emphasized citizen awareness through social media campaigns and public outreach. Firefighters are trained to provide assistance not only in emergencies but also in tourism, industrial safety, and other public service areas.
In collaboration with the Odisha Tourism Department, life guard personnel for hotels and tourist centers have been trained and certified through a first-of-its-kind MoU.
Chief Secretary’s Guidance
The Chief Secretary stressed the importance of fire and emergency services in protecting lives and property, especially during large public gatherings and festivals. Officials highlighted that Odisha’s firefighters play a crucial role in reducing annual drowning incidents and other emergencies.
Smt. Anugarg called for continued enhancement of firefighter skills, regular training, and ensuring all necessary facilities are in place to maintain the efficiency and continuity of emergency services across the state.
This review marks a significant step toward reinforcing Odisha’s disaster preparedness, citizen safety, and public service infrastructure, highlighting a modern, proactive approach to emergency management.