Residents of Bicholim have expressed concern over the prolonged delay in completing the new fire station building, with the project remaining stalled despite work having commenced several years ago.
At present, the Bicholim Fire Station continues to operate from limited space on the ground floor of the Deputy Collector’s office. With the taluka witnessing population growth, industrial expansion and an increasing demand for emergency response services, residents say there is an urgent need for a modern and fully equipped fire station.
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The foundation stone for the new fire station was laid in 2019 after the then Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar facilitated the allocation of land at the Bicholim Industrial Estate. However, despite the passage of seven years, the project remains incomplete, with citizens blaming the slow pace of construction for the delay.
Local residents Sachin Mayekar and Abdul Mulla have called on the government to expedite the project, stating that Bicholim deserves a modern fire station equipped with advanced fire tenders, contemporary firefighting equipment and adequate infrastructure to meet the growing needs of the region.
They also pointed out that firefighters are currently working from cramped premises, which they say affects operational efficiency and limits the department’s ability to respond effectively during emergencies.
Residents have urged the government to treat the project as a priority and ensure that the stalled construction is completed at the earliest, enabling fire personnel to operate from a safe, well-equipped facility while improving emergency services across Bicholim Taluka.
