Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 11: Indian Institute of Public Administration, J&K Regional Branch (IIPA JKRB) in collaboration with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Government of India organized a workshop on “Essence of Fire Safety” which was attended by over 125 participants from various stakeholders in Government and private sector.
Rajiv Narang, outstanding Scientist and Director, Centre for Fire, Explosive and Environment Safety (CFEES), DRDO in his key note address informed that as part of Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative of Prime Minister, CFEES has started developing indigenous products for fire safety which meets the global standards. He shared about the research and development regarding nano safety regulations, eco-friendly disposal, use of bio-formulations in fire safety, fire suppression technologies, linear thermal detectors, structured fire fighting suits, fire suppression gel being done by scientists at DRDO. He informed that CFEES as part of its initiative is now bringing its know-how and technologies for the benefit of civil society and invited various stakeholders to take the benefit of this initiative.
BR Sharma, former Chief Secretary, also the Chairman of IIPA JKRB in his address said proactive measures by all the institutions can ensure preventable deaths & disabilities. He said the new technologies should be put to effective use and there is an urgent need to reprioritize our thinking while designing buildings and a greater sense of responsibility on the part of the citizens can prevent disasters from fire.
Dr Ashok Bhan, former DGP and Patron of the IIPA JKRB while narrating the horrific fire incidents cautioned the audience against the possible hazards of fire. He urged that stakeholders to invest in prevention of fire by adopting proactive measures. He complimented the team from DRDO and IIPA JKRB for reaching to the stakeholders.
Dr B Srinavas, Commandant General HG/CD/SDRF, J&K shared the challenges related to fire incidents in J&K follow a pattern and keeping view to the geographical location of the UT, the nature of incidents are also unique. He said that Government of JK is committed to adopt best practices, invest in capacity building of its people and adopt latest technological equipments to prevent fire incidents.
Dr Sudershan Kumar, Former DG, DRDO and Special Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Government of India also the architect of this workshop in his address talked about the concept of Fire Triangle and said that safety measures can prevent collateral damages. He shared that in future more demonstration oriented workshops can be planned for the benefit of the stakeholders
Later, three technical sessions were held on “Development of State-of-the-Art Fire Safety Products and Technologies” by Dr KC Wadhwa, Scientist and Associate Director, CFEES ; “Status of Fire Safety in India” by Prashant Lonkar.
Prof Alka Sharma, Hony Secretary, IIPA JKRB presented the formal welcome address, K B Jandial, Director (Seminars) presented the formal vote of thanks and Dr Anil Gupta, Joint Secretary, IIPA JKRB conducted the proceedings of the function.