New Delhi (Agency): In preparation for the upcoming G20 Summit set to convene in the national capital, Delhi Fire Service (DFS) Director Atul Garg has announced that 35 fire tenders and a workforce of 500 personnel will be deployed to ensure safety during the high-profile event.
In an interview with PTI Video, Garg expressed confidence in the department’s preparedness to effectively address any fire-related situations that may arise during the summit. To mitigate potential waterlogging in the Rajghat area in the event of rainfall, the DFS has acquired four specialized high-voltage water pumping machines.
Garg highlighted the significance of the DFS’s role in maintaining safety and stated, “Every department is preparing for the upcoming G20 meet. DFS is considered one of the most prominent departments, and the department has prepared itself to tackle any fire incident that may take place.”
Elaborating on the action plan, Garg outlined the division of the summit area into three distinct sections for deployment purposes. He explained, “First will be the meeting venue Bharat Mandapam, where all the delegates will gather for the meeting. The second area is where all dignitaries will stay (mostly all the prominent hotels of the city). And the third part includes the tourists’ places where all dignitaries will visit.”
Regarding personnel and equipment deployment, Garg revealed that 35 fire tenders have been designated for G20 duties, and a dedicated workforce of 500 individuals has been assigned to manage safety operations during the event. Despite the additional responsibilities, he assured that routine fire calls, which can amount to around 100 per day, will also be effectively managed.
Garg emphasized that preparations extend beyond numbers, and the DFS has conducted mock drills to ensure crews are well-prepared to handle various emergency scenarios. Each unit will comprise six to seven members strategically placed at key locations throughout the city. Garg further mentioned that these units will not participate in bird rescue exercises to prioritize their G20 duties.
As the national capital prepares to host the G20 Summit, the DFS’s proactive approach, deployment of resources, and commitment to safety underscore its vital role in ensuring the smooth conduct of the event while safeguarding participants and visitors alike.