Kolkata: In the wake of the city's Advanced Medicare Research Institute (AMRI) hospital fire tragedy, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee yesterday lamented the lack of firefighting infrastructure and said there was an immediate need to revamp the facilities.
"The firefighting infrastructure is not up to the mark. Many fire engines are gathering dust because of poor maintenance. There is no space for keeping ladders."
"We need to acquire modern and sophisticated machines to counter fire disasters. Disaster management system needs to be revamped," said Banerjee at the state secretariat after a meeting with officials of the department concerned.
She, however, said lack of funds had hindered the upgrade. "We came to power only after the budget was presented by the former [Left Front] government. We cannot do anything on that front. We have to manage with whatever fund was allotted in the budget for the fire department," said Banerjee.
The fire brigade had initially come ill-prepared to tackle the fire, with no gloves and no sky-lift to bring down people from the upper floors.
Besides announcing compensation for the relatives of the dead, Banerjee has ordered a judicial inquiry into the tragedy.
Bravery recognition
The state cabinet yesterday passed a resolution condoling the deaths and ratified Banerjee's earlier statement that jobs may be given to one family member each of the dead if they sought it. The government will also give Rs300,000 (Dh20,772) as compensation to the families of each victim if they ask for it.
The state government will also congratulate 56 Panchanantala people in the AMRI Hospital neighbourhood today in recognition of their bravery in rescuing the trapped patients.
"This will inspire people to come forward in case of such incidents before the government agencies arrive at the spot."
On the proposed judicial probe into the fire, Banerjee said the government was looking for a suitable retired judge.
"We want a person who can handle the case strongly. We want truth to come out."
