With its only hydraulic platform-cum-turntable ladder out of service following the expiry of its registration certificate, Panchkula’s fire department may have to rely on neighbouring Chandigarh to rescue people trapped in high-rise buildings during major fire emergencies.
A hydraulic ladder is a specialised fire-rescue vehicle fitted with a rotating, hydraulically operated boom or ladder and a safety basket which can lift firefighters to upper floors, windows, balconies and rooftops to rescue trapped occupants and direct water or foam onto fires from elevated positions. The equipment is particularly useful when staircases are inaccessible or unsafe.
“Thousands of people live in these buildings, but despite persistent demands, no fire substation has been set up in our area. Kwatra also alleged that fire safety compliance checks in residential societies were inadequate and that extinguishers in several societies were non-functional. He questioned how the department could respond effectively to high-rise emergencies without adequate rescue equipment.
Amarjit Singh, station officer at Chandigarh’s Industrial Area Phase 2 fire station, said time was crucial during high-rise fires. Yoginder Kwatra, vice-president of the Sector 20 residents’ welfare association, said the sector had several residential buildings rising up to 18 floors, with more high-rise projects expected.
Haryana has only two hydraulic ladders – one each with the fire departments of Panchkula and Gurugram, according to official details. Only two fire brigade vehicles are stationed at the community centre, and they are hardly equipped to handle fires beyond five or six floors,” he said. Real estate consultant Pritam Singh said strict compliance with fire safety norms was essential as the city continued to grow.
For instance, in case of a fire outbreak in Panchkula’s Sector 5, the vehicles from Chandigarh – stationed at its Sector 17 – would have to travel nearly 14 km via Madhya Marg, taking approximately 36 minutes. Had the local facility had the provision, the response time would be faster as the distance is only about 6 km, i.e 10 to 12 minutes. The dependence on Chandigarh may mean crucial loss of time during emergencies. One vehicle is also stationed in Manimajra.
