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States » NorthPosted at: Apr 29 2025 4:34PM


Shimla’s fire safety success: Colonial-era planning saves Rs 223-cr properties

Shimla, Apr 29 (UNI) With its legacy of British-era urban design and meticulous fire safety planning, Shimla has emerged as a role model in disaster preparedness, saving properties worth Rs 223 crore in the past five years.
Relying on the 150-year-old fire manual framed during the colonial era, the town’s fire services have not only preserved historical charm but have also proved instrumental in tackling the rising incidents of fire.
The backbone of Shimla’s fire preparedness lies in its network of 218 fire hydrants, strategically located across town and subjected to rigorous annual inspections. Before each fire season, particularly summer and winter, these hydrants are thoroughly checked.
While the highest concentration remains around the colonial heart of the city — Mall Road (43 hydrants), Lower Bazar (15), Middle Bazar and Ram Bazar (6), and Lakkar Bazar (9) — modern localities such as Krishna Nagar, Lalpani, Bharari, Jakhu, US Club, BAG Office, Annadale, and Kaith are now also equipped, with 54 hydrants covering these areas.
In a major step forward, the state fire department prepared a comprehensive fire hydrant map of Shimla, which is now being replicated in other towns across Himachal Pradesh.
Alongside this innovation, authorities also developed a ‘fire black spot’ map, highlighting areas with frequent fire calls. These include Tutikandi (the most fire-prone due to dense pine forests), Bharari-Kelston, New Shimla, BCS-Shargeen, Mehli, Panthaghati, Annadale-Golphadi, and Taradevi.
According to the State Fire Officer, Shimla reported 118 fire calls in 2024 alone, including 99 forest fires, 10 rescue missions, and 9 house fires. Quick action by the town's three major fire stations — Chhota Shimla, Mall Road, and Boileauganj — helped save property worth Rs 52.88 crore, though damages still totaled Rs 56.88 lakh.
In comparison, 2023 saw fewer incidents, only 28 in total, with 25 forest fires and 13 rescue operations. Even then, timely interventions saved Rs 21.11 crore in property, limiting damage to Rs 13.39 crore.
One of the most critical fire incidents in recent years was the 2022 fire at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), which underlined the need for robust fire planning in institutional buildings. Since then, fire preparedness in public structures has been upgraded.
The century-and-a-half-old fire manual, now complemented with modern mapping and identification of black spots, has ensured Shimla remains a model for other hill towns in fire safety management—successfully blending heritage with innovation.
UNI ML PRS
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