In a significant move to bolster industrial safety, the city of Indore is establishing three new fire stations in its key industrial hubs. This development comes as a direct response to persistent demands from industry bodies for enhanced firefighting infrastructure, especially following frequent incidents during summer months.
Addressing Long-Standing Industrial Demands
The decision, involving a combined investment of Rs 2.5 crore, targets the SEZ Phase-2, Sector-7, and Jaitapur-Palasia industrial areas. For years, industrial associations have highlighted the critical need for dedicated fire substations and better equipment, citing the growing density of industrial activity and the distance of many industrial pockets from existing fire stations.
Himanshu Prajapati, the Indore region executive director of MPIDC, confirmed the initiative. He stated that the decision was driven by expanding industrial activity and repeated feedback from local entrepreneurs. "As industrial activity expands, strengthening emergency response infrastructure becomes critical," Prajapati said. "The new fire stations will help reduce response time and improve safety in industrial areas."
Reducing Risk and Response Time
Industry representatives have consistently pointed out that delays in emergency response can lead to catastrophic losses, particularly in peak summer when high temperatures and electrical loads increase fire risks. "During peak summer, even a few minutes' delay can result in major losses," noted one industry member.
Dinesh Mishra, a senior executive at a plastic film packaging unit in Jaitapur, expressed relief at the move. "We flagged the need for a fire station in Jaitapur repeatedly. With MPIDC now deciding to construct one, it will bring much-needed relief to industries operating here," he said. The initiative follows a series of fire incidents reported over past years in factories, warehouses, and storage units.
Operational Impact and Industry Welcome
Officials expect the proposed fire stations to significantly cut down emergency response times and provide quicker access to firefighting resources within industrial clusters. The stations will become operational after the completion of construction and the deployment of necessary equipment and manpower.
Industry bodies have welcomed the development, emphasizing that robust fire safety infrastructure is essential not only for protecting workers and assets but also for sustaining investor confidence in the region's industrial ecosystem. This proactive step by the authorities is seen as a crucial investment in the safety and continuity of Indore's industrial growth.
