CANACONA: Canacona fire station which was established 25 years ago, is still waiting for its own building. The station also is inadequately equipped with just one fire truck which, as per the locals, is insufficient for such a large taluka. The fire station was set up on 23rd December, 1998.
The fire station’s office is being run from the godown of the Civil Supplies Department, close to Canacona police station. However, there are complaints that this space is insufficient for the personnel to run operations efficiently.
The fire station in Canacona was established thanks to the initiative by former minister late Sanjay Bandekar, when Luizinho Faleiro was the chief minister. Earlier, the southern-most taluka had to rely on fire trucks either from Margao or Curchorem and in most cases, the damage would be already done. Faleiro approved Bandekar’s request for Canacona to have its own fire station.
As per sources, former minister Isidore Fernandes had startecd the process to build a new office building for the fire station and land of Housing Board at Mokhard was intended for the same. There has been no further update on the progress of the project.
“There are more than 30 workers employed at the office of the fire services and the fire tender has a sufficient number of drivers too. However, there is only one fire vehicle at the station which is inadequate,” said former Canacona vice-chairperson Dayanand Pagi.
“Canacona taluka is large in terms of area and the public settlements are increasing here every year. The taluka also attracts a large number of tourists which is why one more fire truck is an absolute necessity,” the Gaondongrem sarpanch said.
Ravindra Pednekar is currently heading the Canacona fire station as chief officer.
