As Bhopal Fire Raged, Questions Over Why A Rs 5.5-Crore Truck Wasn't Used
NDTV
Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Dr Narottam Mishra, however, said there was no space in the building's compound to operate the hydraulic ladder.
While a blaze engulfed the seven-storey Satpura Bhawan in Bhopal yesterday, destroying government offices and documents, a Rs 5.5-crore advanced hydraulic ladder used for fire-fighting stayed parked just 40 metres away.
Bought with much fanfare about nine months ago to help fight fires in buildings up to 18 storeys high, the lack of clearance from the Regional Transport Office and of qualified personnel ensured that it could play no role in fighting one of the biggest fires in Bhopal in recent years, said senior fire department officials. The Army and Indian Air force had to get involved, and the fire was finally brought under control 14 hours after it broke out.
Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Dr Narottam Mishra, however, said in Hindi, "There was no space for the hydraulic machine to pass. A parking area has been built there, blocking the way. Just this morning, Chief Minister Shivraj Chouhan has ordered that arrangements must be made to ensure enough space in big buildings (for fire-fighting vehicles to enter)."
Before the hydraulic ladder was purchased, the fire brigade was using step ladders and machines which only had a reach of three-four storeys. The same ladders were used in yesterday's operation. Four to five people had been trained to operate the new hydraulic ladder but, sources said, none of them were available when the fire broke out.
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The BJP has managed a successful course correction in Maharashtra, where just a few months ago, it has slid massively in the Lok Sabha polls.
The NCP (SP) candidates who defeated their NCP rivals included Jitendra Awhad who defeated Najeeb Mulla in Mumbra Kalwa.
Jan Suraaj candidates failed to make a significant impact, finishing third in three constituencies and one in the fourth position.
Police arrested Deepak Max, 20, caught after an encounter by Crime Branch, while Krish Gupta, 18, by local police from the same area.
The prime minister said the Maharashtra election also shows that only one Constitution will work in India and that was given to the people of the country by B R Ambedkar.
The Prime Minister said the Congress' outsized interest in its own welfare is a "threat to democracy".
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This is the third consecutive time that the BJP has emerged as the largest party in Maharashtra, which is undoubtedly a historic feat, Prime Minister Modi said.
Mr Chadha pointed out that the three seats in which the AAP emerged victorious had never been won by the party before.