Inordinate delay must end

As the fire incidents across Jammu and Kashmir are on rise, the concerned department’s delay in constructing the Fire station at Maharaja Gunj is affecting the work of firefighters. The Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES) department is already facing a dearth of men and equipment, however, the delay in construction of the station here in Srinagar is adding to the miseries of the employees, who are posted at the place. Despite the passing of many years, the project is yet to take off. The station is located just some meters away from Aali Kadal area where a woman was killed while two others were injured in a devastating fire a few months ago. There are people who believe that the availability of appropriate building for the station would have helped the firefighters to attend the distress call in a hurry and would have probably saved the life of a lady, who suffered severe burn injuries and later succumbed at the hospital. One fails to understand the reasons behind the inordinate delay in constructing the building. The fire incidents are on rise and the firefighters should be equipped with proper men and machinery to save the properties and lives of the people when the unfortunate incident of blaze takes place anywhere. Therefore, it is imperative to take requisite measures and ensure that the building is completed well on time so that the people could heave a sigh of relief. The construction of the Fire Station at Maharaj Gunj must not be delayed any further for the wellbeing of the local populace.