The Modern Valpoi Fire Station was inaugurated on 11th February 2026 in the presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, along with Hon’ble Minister for Health, Women & Child Development and Town & Country Planning, Shri Vishwajit Rane; Hon’ble MLA, Calangute Constituency and Chairman, GSIDC Ltd., Shri Michael Lobo; Chairperson, Valpoi Municipal Council, Smt. Prassanna Gawas; Managing Director, GSIDC Ltd., Shri Rohit Kadam; senior officers of the Government of Goa; officers and personnel of Fire & Emergency Services; members of the Zilla Panchayat; Sarpanch and members of Village Panchayat Mauxi; Councillors from Valpoi Municipal; members of the Print and Electronic Media; and other distinguished guests.
Addressing the gathering, the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant, lauded the dedicated efforts of the Fire & Emergency Services and commended the establishment of the modern infrastructure at the newly constructed Valpoi Fire Station. He highlighted the importance of strengthening emergency response mechanisms across the State and advised the fire personnel to make optimum use of the facilities provided, particularly the well-equipped gymnasium for maintaining physical fitness and the training classroom for conducting community-based fire safety and disaster preparedness programmes.
Hon’ble Minister Shri Vishwajit Rane also applauded the Fire & Emergency Services for its unwavering service to the people and expressed satisfaction over the commissioning of the new Fire Station equipped with modern amenities in Valpoi. He stated that the upgraded infrastructure would significantly enhance emergency response capabilities in the Sattari region and reaffirmed the Government’s continued support towards strengthening public safety mechanisms.
In his address, Shri Nitin V. Raiker, Director, Fire & Emergency Services, extended a warm welcome to all the dignitaries and expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble Chief Minister for his continuous support and visionary leadership in strengthening emergency services across state. He stated that the inauguration of the modern fire station marks a significant milestone for Valpoi town and the Sattari region, which encompasses forest areas, hilly terrain, residential localities, educational institutions, and expanding commercial establishments.
The newly constructed fire station has been designed to cater to present and future operational requirements. The building is equipped with a spacious appliance bay, modern control room, duty office, reception area, administrative office, conference room, training classroom, rest rooms for both lady and gents fire fighters, a dedicated gymnasium, pantry rooms, and other essential facilities. These amenities are expected to enhance operational efficiency while ensuring improved working and living conditions for fire personnel.
The total cost of construction of the Modern Valpoi Fire Station is ₹10,83,20,068/-. The Director expressed sincere appreciation to the Government of Goa and GSIDC officials. for their support in the successful completion of this vital infrastructure project.
Highlighting the performance of the Valpoi Fire Station over the past five years, Shri Raiker informed that the station responded to 2,980 emergency incidents, 492 fire incidents, numerous road traffic accidents, human and animal rescue operations, and disaster-related emergencies. During this period, the personnel saved 294 human lives and 269 animal lives, and protected property valued at over ₹6.53 crore. He further noted that the station has rendered commendable service during forest fires, flood-related emergencies, and major rescue operations in challenging terrains.
In addition to emergency response, the station conducted 65 comprehensive training programmes, including mock drills, fire safety awareness campaigns, and specialized rescue training for institutions and the public, reflecting the department’s commitment to prevention, preparedness, and community resilience.
The Modern Valpoi Fire Station stands as a symbol of safety, preparedness, and dedicated public service. With enhanced infrastructure and modern facilities, it is expected to further strengthen emergency response capabilities and serve the people of Valpoi and the surrounding areas with greater efficiency and professionalism.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, all the dignitaries present, GSIDC officials, officers and staff of the Fire & Emergency Services, fire fighters, members of the media, and all attendees for their valuable presence and support in making the event a success. Shri. Pradeep Naik compered the function and Shri. Shripad Gawas, Divisional Officer proposed the Vote of Thanks.
