In a major step towards strengthening the State’s emergency response, disaster preparedness and public safety infrastructure, the Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services, Government of Goa, today inducted modern fire fighting and support vehicles into its operational fleet. The vehicles were formally dedicated to the service of the people of Goa during a ceremonial function held at the Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services, St. Inez, Panaji.
The newly inducted fleet was flagged off by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod P. Sawant, in the presence of Dr. Nitin V. Raiker, Director, Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services, senior Government officials, representatives of local bodies, officers and personnel of the Directorate.
The induction of these vehicles marks another significant milestone in the modernization of the Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services and reaffirms the Government of Goa’s commitment to enhancing fire protection infrastructure, strengthening disaster preparedness and ensuring prompt, efficient and reliable emergency response services throughout the State.
The procurement of these vehicles has been made possible through financial assistance received under the 15th Finance Commission as well as funding provided by the Government of Goa, reflecting the Government’s continued investment in strengthening frontline emergency response capabilities and safeguarding the lives and property of the citizens.
Mid-Sized Water Tenders (MSWTs):
A total of eight Mid-Sized Water Tenders (MSWTs) have been inducted into the fleet.
Of these, five MSWTs, (Mid Sized Water Tender) constructed on Tata 1416 LPT BS-VI cabin chassis, have been procured under the 15th Finance Commission, Govt of India. These vehicles have been deployed at Canacona, Curchorem, Vasco, Pilerne and Pernem Fire Stations, where they will significantly improve firefighting capability, operational efficiency and emergency response time.
In addition, three MSWTs have been procured with Government of Goa funding against condemned firefighting vehicles. These modern appliances have been deployed at Margao, Ponda and Vasco Fire Stations, replacing ageing vehicles and ensuring continued operational readiness.
Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Response Vehicle:
The Directorate has also inducted one state-of-the-art Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Response Vehicle constructed on an Ashok Leyland BS-VI chassis has been procured with financial assistance from the 15th Finance Commission.
The vehicle has been specially designed to respond to hazardous material incidents, chemical spills, industrial emergencies and complex rescue operations. It is equipped with specialised protective suits, self-contained breathing apparatus, hydraulic rescue tools, telescopic lighting mast, cable winch, 20 KVA inbuilt alternator, 500-litre water tank and an ultra-high-pressure firefighting pump, substantially enhancing the State’s capability to manage hazardous and technical emergencies.
42-Metre Turn Table Ladder (TTL):
Further augmenting the Directorate’s operational capabilities, one 42-Metre Turn Table Ladder (TTL) mounted on an Eicher chassis has been procured with financial assistance from the Government of Goa.
The aerial appliance is designed for firefighting and rescue operations in high-rise buildings and elevated structures. Equipped with a hydraulically operated 360-degree rotating extendable ladder and rescue cage, it will significantly strengthen the State’s response capability for urban emergencies and rescue operations at greater heights.
Motorcycles for Operational Support:
To improve mobility and administrative efficiency, the Directorate has also procured eight Hero Super Splendor motorcycles through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) against condemned departmental motorcycles.
These motorcycles have been deployed at Vasco, Bicholim, Valpoi, Kundaim, Curchorem, Canacona and Margao Fire Stations, as well as the Motor Transport Section, for official inspections, supervision and day-to-day operational duties.
As part of the Directorate’s continued emphasis on technology-driven emergency response, all newly inducted fire fighting vehicles have been equipped with advanced GPS-based Vehicle Tracking Systems.
The GPS system enables real-time monitoring of emergency vehicles from the State Fire Control Room, facilitating live tracking, route optimisation, dispatch management, fleet monitoring and operational supervision. This technology will improve response coordination, enhance accountability and enable more effective management of emergency resources across the State.
Newly Inducted Fleet:
With the induction of these vehicles, the Directorate has expanded its operational fleet by a total of 18 vehicles, comprising:
* 08 Mid-Sized Water Tenders (MSWTs)
* 01 Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Response Vehicle
* 01 42-Metre Turn Table Ladder (TTL)
* 08 Hero Super Splendor Motorcycles
These modern resources will substantially enhance the Directorate’s operational capability in firefighting, rescue operations, hazardous material response, disaster management and emergency preparedness, thereby improving the safety and resilience of communities across Goa.
The Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services places on record its sincere gratitude to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa Dr. Pramod P. Sawant, HonтАЩble Chief Secretary Dr. V. Candavelou, IAS, the Government of Goa, the 15th Finance Commission, Govt. of India, the Administrative Department, Finance Department, technical committees, procurement teams, and all officers and personnel whose dedication and coordinated efforts made the successful procurement and induction of these vehicles possible.
The Directorate remains committed to continuously modernising its infrastructure through the adoption of advanced technology, specialised equipment, professional training and innovation. It will continue to strengthen its operational readiness and provide prompt, efficient and reliable emergency services to the people of Goa.
The newly inducted fleet stands as a testament to the Government of Goa’s unwavering commitment to protecting life, property and the environment, while reinforcing the State’s preparedness and resilience to effectively respond to fires, disasters and all other emergencies.
