Hibi Eden, MLA, has taken the initiative to have fire hydrants installed in the city. This move was taken after Deccan Chronicle exposed the fact that Kochi was a potential hotspot for fire mishaps, more so, because it lacked safety measures like fire hydrants.
The young MLA said he would discuss the matter with the corporation, district administration and water authority officials immediately. He also added that he would take up the matter in the Assembly in a bid to ensure that Kochi would be safe from fire accidents.
“Keeping Kochi safe from the threat of fire is one of my major concerns. I had brought the topic during my first submission in the Assembly.
The oil plants at Vathuruthy and several other hot spots in the city are vulnerable to fire mishaps. This has to be addressed at the earliest.
Chief minister Oommen Chandy has already assured me of upgrading the facilities at the fire and rescue stations at Kochi and Thrikkakara. The issue of fire hydrants will also be taken up soon, as it seems to be an urgent need,” he said.
The legislator also said the matter would be raised at the district development council and sought the support of the water authority officials.
Ernakulam district collector P.I.Sheikh Pareeth also said the issue of fire hydrants would be raised in the next district development council.
However, the water authority officials said the decision to install fire hydrants should be taken by the local self governments and not the KWA.
“It is the Kochi corporation that should make a move and identify the spots where fire hydrants are to be installed in the city”, said Mathew Joseph, superintending engineer of KWA.