A Correspondent
DHUBRI: National Fire Service Day was observed at Bongaigaon Refinery recently followed by observation of Fire Service Week which began on April 14 and will conclude on April 20, to pay homage to those brave firefighters who sacrificed their lives. Fire fighters laid down their lives on April 14, 1944 in the devastating fire that broke out at the Victoria Dock in Bombay Port causing widespread loss of life and property.
The programme was inaugurated by Bongaigaon Refinery Chief General Manager (In-Charge), Amarendra Kalita by hoisting the fire services flag (half-mast), followed by two-minute silence in the presence of senior management and other officials, CISF, IOOA and BGREU of Bongaigaon Refinery.
Chief General Manager (Project), Kailash Pati read out the chairman’s message while General Manager (Projects) Pradip Pegu read out the Director (R)’s message on Fire Service Day. Speaking on the theme of Fire Service Day – ‘Fire prevention is better than fire fighting’, Amarendra Kalita said that the need of the hour was to emphasize pro-active safety measures at industrial installations so that no fire incident occurs. “We should demonstrate our strong commitment towards the cause of safety and ensure that we make our work places accident-free. BGR is receiving safety awards due to the alertness of the people and we should ensure that safety guidelines are compiled by each of us while working in the plant area as well as personal life,” Kalita added.
Marching of fire vehicles in the refinery and township was also carried on the occasion for creating awareness among the employees and residents of the township. Various fire and safety activities like live fire-fighting training to women employees and contractual workers, quiz and slogan competitions for employees, demonstrations in adjacent areas, mock drills, fire prevention campaigns, safety leaflet and hand book distribution, fire and earthquake evacuation drills in schools have been organized by the Fire and Safety Department as part of the Fire Service Week.
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