The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has decided to procure a 104-metre hydraulic fire crane to strengthen its firefighting capabilities, Standing Committee Chairman Kamlesh Patel announced on Thursday.
According to Patel, preparations for the purchase of the high-rise firefighting equipment have already been completed. Currently, the Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services department operates hydraulic cranes with heights ranging from 50 metres to 80 metres.
The new 104-metre crane is expected to significantly enhance the department’s ability to respond to emergencies in high-rise buildings and large commercial or residential structures, particularly as the city continues to witness vertical urban growth.
In a separate decision, AMC has also revised the charges levied for firefighting services provided outside its municipal limits.
Patel said that firefighting services within Ahmedabad city limits will continue to be provided free of cost. However, when fire brigade teams are deployed to private industrial estates, GIDC areas or locations beyond AMC jurisdiction, the civic body incurs additional expenditure on fuel, equipment operation and manpower.
To recover these costs, AMC has approved revised service charges for outstation firefighting operations. The revision marks the first increase in such charges in nearly 15 years, with the previous revision having been implemented in 2011.
The move is aimed at ensuring better cost recovery while maintaining efficient emergency response services both within and outside Ahmedabad city limits.