Siliguri, 24th January: Allegations of negligence and poor infrastructure have been raised against the fire services department in Siliguri, following which local MLA Shankar Ghosh visited the fire station on Saturday to conduct an inspection.
The visit comes in the aftermath of a fire incident in Deshbandhu Para, where several families reportedly suffered losses. Affected residents alleged that due to the lack of timely action and proper arrangements by the fire department, the blaze could not be brought under control quickly, resulting in extensive damage to homes and valuables.
It was also alleged that the fire engine deployed at the site had multiple mechanical faults, which further delayed firefighting operations. Several such complaints were reportedly brought to the attention of the MLA, prompting his visit to the fire station.
During the inspection, Ghosh reviewed the condition of firefighting equipment and assessed the overall infrastructure of the department. He also held discussions with fire service officials regarding operational preparedness and response capacity.
Speaking to the media, Shankar Ghosh said that there can be no compromise when it comes to public safety. He cautioned that if the fire department’s infrastructure is not modernised and made more effective at the earliest, the region could face more serious disasters in the future.
He further stated that the matter would be brought to the attention of senior officials in the concerned department for necessary action and urgent intervention.