Panaji: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday said that the stringent fire safety norms advised by the State Fire and Emergency Services should not be considered harassment by industrial or residential building owners.
Addressing a gathering on National Fire Service Day, Sawant also praised the performance of Fire and Emergency Services personnel in saving lives and protecting property in the state.
“The Fire and Emergency Services ensure that stringent norms are implemented during the construction of industrial or residential buildings. These are meant for the safety of the people who will occupy them,” he said.
“People should not look at these norms as harassment,” the Chief Minister advised, adding that it is always better to take precautions than wait for a tragedy to occur and call for help.
Sawant informed that Goa Fire and Emergency Services saved property worth ₹44 crore and rescued 398 lives during fire incidents and accidents in the last calendar year.
He also stressed the need to raise awareness about fire safety across the state.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the department has trained 350 Apada Mitra and Apada Sakhi volunteers who assist personnel during emergencies.
Sawant announced that in the current financial year, the state government will provide Fire Risk Allowance to Fire and Emergency Services personnel.
