Ramesh Chennithala
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Around 1,000 ex-servicemen will be posted as home guards to improve the efficiency of the Fire and Rescue Services, Minister for Home Ramesh Chennithala has said.
He was addressing presspersons after a discussion with top officials at the Fire and Rescue Services headquarters here on Wednesday (June 17, 2026).
The Minister said the home guards will be deployed for disaster management and traffic duty in the wake of increasing number of disasters in the State and public safety requirements.
An increase in human resources is expected to improve the Fire and Rescue Services’ efficiency, especially since it has emerged as a critical force during times of disaster.
The government, Mr. Chennithala said, would prepare an action plan for comprehensive modernisation of the force against the backdrop of climate change and the resultant increase in disasters. The force would be made more professional too, he said.
At present, 133 fire stations function in the State. As part of the modernisation programme, steps will be taken to post more officials and fire fighters.
The Minister stated that the procedures for the procurement of aerial platforms and similar equipment for combating fires in high-rise buildings are currently under way.
Disaster management awareness and self-defence trainings will also be organised to ensure public safety.
The Minister announced the expansion of statewide swimming programs for children and residents of flats, along with surveys of fire-prone areas.
The Minister said he will hold talks with officials of the Forest department for preventing forest fires.
Fire and Rescue Services Director General Nitin Agrawal and the Home Minister’s police adviser A. Hemachandran were present at the press conference.
Published – June 17, 2026 09:45 pm IST
