TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: The Goa government has announced Chief Minister’s Gallantry Medals to fire personnel who saved the lives of three persons in the aftermath of the Canacona building collapse on January 4, 2014, which left 31 labourers dead.
Chief Secretary B Vijayan, while applauding the search and rescue efforts carried out by the fire personnel, made this announcement during the Annual Inspection Day Parade and Prize Distribution program of the Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services on Friday.
“In appreciation to their exemplary services, Government has decided to award Chief Minister’s Gallantry Medals to fire personnel who saved the lives of three persons after a long and arduous rescue operation lasting four-and-half hours,” Vijayan told a gathering in the presence of Director Ashok Menon and other officers.
The government is also issuing commendatory notes to all the fire personnel who carried out search, rescue and extrication of dead bodies from the debris.
The fire personnel were among the first to reach the accident spot at Chaudi, Canacona, for search and rescue, which went on for 10 days. Other agencies joined the rescue thereafter.
Meanwhile, Vijayan informed that government has in principle agreed to grant Rs 10 lakh compensation to the families of fire personnel who die in the line of duty and for those suffering total disability. Proportionate compensation, depending on the degree of disability will also be paid to those suffering from partial disability. The chief secretary informed that a notification in this regard will be issued shortly.
