Firefighting robots to combat fires at Mahakumbh; ADG inspects preparations

Prayagraj : On Monday, Additional Director General of Police Padmaja Chauhan (Uttar Pradesh, Fire and Emergency Services) conducted a surprise inspection at the Headquarters of Fire and Emergency Services for the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj to assess the fire safety preparations for Mahakumbh 2025.

During the inspection, she reviewed the condition of the equipment and vehicles designated for fire prevention at the event. She also witnessed a grand rehearsal showcasing the ultramodern equipment to manage fire incidents in the fairgrounds and expressed satisfaction with the arrangements.

She stated, “Following the directives of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, our goal this time is to ensure Mahakumbh remains a zero-fire incident event. However, should any incident occur, the department is fully equipped to control the fire instantly using advanced technology.”

Prayagraj Chief Fire Officer and Nodal Officer of the fair, Pramod Sharma, stated that during the inspection, a dress rehearsal was conducted showcasing various fire-fighting equipment and vehicles, including smoke exhausters, hand control branches, revolving branches, dividing heads, collecting heads, bolt cutters, electric gulps, blankets, battery-operated hydraulic cutters, harnesses, searchlights, fire retardant spray, fire hooks, and trolley-mounted high-pressure portable extinguishers, all demonstrated in front of the Additional Director General of Police.

He further mentioned that a mock drill featuring state-of-the-art equipment such as firefighting robots, ATVs, fire bullets, foam tenders, FQRVs, and articulating water towers was also carried out at Elephant Parking. The firefighting robot, which is being used for the first time at Mahakumbh, has the capability to extinguish fires using advanced technology. These robots will be particularly effective in controlling fires in narrow and congested areas where traditional fire brigade vehicles and personnel are unable to access.

Additionally, the Additional Director General of Police conducted a field inspection of the office, barracks, stores, and other facilities of the Headquarters Fire and Emergency Services for the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj. She also assessed the quality of food prepared in the mess. Following the inspection, she convened a meeting with all officers and employees assigned to Mahakumbh Mela duty at the auditorium of the Headquarters/Kotwali Fire Station.

In the meeting, she instructed the entire establishment team to enhance infrastructure within the fairgrounds. She emphasized that the wiring of tents and electrical connections should be properly conduited and connected, with fire services provided to pandals as per established standards. She also gave specific instructions to ensure heightened focus on fire prevention measures.

On this occasion, Additional Director General of Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Padmaja Chauhan, was accompanied by Nodal Officer for Mahakumbh Mela, Pramod Sharma, Ravindra Shankar Mishra, Anurag Singh, Anurag Kumar, Saurabh Kumar Singh (Chief Fire Officer Zone), Sanjeev Kumar Singh (Fire Officer Kotwali), Ashish Verma (Second Fire Officer Kotwali), and other officers and employees.