Bhubaneswar, 23 March (H.S.): In a proactive step towards enhancing urban resilience, the Housing & Urban Development (H&UD) Department, in collaboration with Odisha Fire Services, organised a high-level virtual workshop on fire safety awareness and preparedness across the state.

The sensitization session aimed to streamline emergency response protocols and strengthen technical readiness across all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). The initiative marked a first-of-its-kind effort by the department to institutionalise fire safety through coordinated governance.

Addressing the workshop, Sudhansu Sarangi, Director General of Fire Services, delivered a detailed technical briefing. He highlighted preventive measures, the use of modern firefighting equipment, and the importance of institutional preparedness. He noted that the H&UD Department is the first in the state to undertake such a comprehensive sensitization initiative.

Sarangi also announced that a state-wide fire safety mock drill will be conducted on the coming Saturday and urged all ULBs to extend full cooperation for its successful execution.

Under the leadership of Usha Padhee, the workshop emphasised integrating fire safety into the core framework of urban governance rather than treating it merely as a compliance requirement. She directed all ULBs to incorporate fire safety measures into the Mukhya Mantri Sahari Bikas Yojana (MSBY) in the upcoming financial year.

The virtual session saw active participation from Commissioners of all Municipal Corporations, along with Executive Officers of Municipalities and Notified Area Councils. Fire Officers and Deputy Fire Officers also joined the meeting, ensuring a unified and coordinated approach across the state.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda