The Delhi High Court on Thursday (August 16) asked the Delhi government to explain why there were so many posts lying vacant in Delhi Fire Service (DFS) and why the Emergency Monitoring System (EMS) like Safe Goa 24/7 in Delhi has not be introduced.
The court was hearing a PIL filed by Association of Victims of Uphaar Tragedy seeking directions to Delhi government for filling up the vacancies in DFS and introducing EMS in Delhi like Safe Goa 24/7.
The matter was fixed to next hearing to November 29.
The petition draws attention of the court to Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) conclusion that planning and preparedness for fire prevention undertaken and achieved by DFS was not commensurate with the size and complexity of a megacity like Delhi.
The petition further says CAG have said that DFS is suffering from shortages of resources too, particularly of operational staff and fire tenders. Available Communication equipment is inadequate and outdated and hampers the performance of DFS.
It also prays that DFS should also introduce EMS like Safe Goa 24/7 wherein the Electronic Hardware (Black Box) is installed in a building and linked with the Fire Force Headquarter Control Room and the Local Fire Station Watch Room of the Goa State Fire and Emergency Services.
—India Legal Bureau