In addition to the skylifts, the department plans to acquire other advanced equipment, including water tenders, articulated firefighting towers, and specialised rescue tenders
The Telangana Disaster Response and Fire Safety Department is working to bolster its firefighting capabilities by acquiring advanced skylifts with a reach of up to 104 metres, enabling them to access areas beyond the 18th floor of high-rise buildings. Currently, the department operates a 54-metre skylift, capable of reaching 18 floors, but as high-rise development expands across Telangana, there is an increasing demand for equipment capable of greater reach.
According to G.V. Narayana Rao, Director of the Telangana Fire Safety Department, the procurement of these skylifts depends on receiving grants and could take approximately one and a half years. “There is a long process involved,” said Rao. “We would first have to secure the grants, receive the funds, and initiate a tendering process. The selection will prioritise the efficiency of the machinery.”
In addition to the skylifts, the department plans to acquire other advanced equipment, including water tenders, articulated firefighting towers, and specialised rescue tenders. The department is also expanding its inventory of search-and-rescue tools, particularly those used in building collapse and water rescue operations, aiming to enhance preparedness for a range of emergencies.
As part of the state’s broader disaster readiness efforts, the government has sanctioned a dedicated state disaster response force, comprising around 1,000 personnel from police battalions. Rao emphasised the department’s target of responding to emergencies within five minutes, stating, “The timing is recorded at all of our fire stations. We have also proposed additional fire stations in the city to improve response times.”
On new firefighting tools available in the market, Rao noted innovations like fire extinguishers shaped as cricket balls, which can be thrown into flames to help control blazes. However, he cautioned that not all new products meet regulatory standards. “There are many pieces of equipment available in the market, but we do not certify all of them. If a new product is introduced, it must adhere to the National Building Code,” he said.
Addressing fire safety education among school students, Rao shared that the department frequently conducts awareness programmes in schools to foster early understanding of fire safety. “We do conduct awareness programmes very frequently in schools, and kids feel excited when they see fire safety equipment,” Rao explained. The department has also introduced products specifically designed for students, ensuring they are age-appropriate and easy to use.
With these efforts, the Telangana Fire Safety Department aims to strengthen its response capabilities, ensuring better preparedness for emergencies as the state’s urban landscape continues to evolve.