Ahead of festive season, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation plans month-long fire safety awareness drive

Bhubaneswar: To enhance public safety ahead of the festive season, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to launch a comprehensive month-long fire safety awareness campaign across the city. The initiative will target key public areas, including shopping malls, residential colonies and bustling markets, aiming to educate citizens on the critical importance of fire safety.In an innovative approach to engage the community, the BMC has decided to collaborate with local artist groups to deliver the message through street plays and songs. These performances, which will be conducted in Odia, are designed to be both original and impactful. The selection of artist groups will be finalised through a competitive bidding process, ensuring that the most creative and effective teams are chosen to spearhead this vital campaign.Mayor Sulochana Das emphasised the strategic planning involved in the campaign. “We are identifying key locations for these awareness drives to maximise their impact. Our goal is to ensure that every citizen understands the importance of fire safety and is equipped with the knowledge to prevent and respond to fire-related incidents,” she said.Each artist group will consist of at least six members, who will perform at various locations throughout the city. The performances are expected to draw significant public attention, fostering a culture of safety and preparedness among Bhubaneswar residents.In addition to BMC’s efforts, Odisha Fire Services has been actively conducting mock drills at various sites, including educational institutions and major shopping malls. These drills are part of an ongoing effort to ensure that both the public and emergency services are well-prepared to handle potential fire emergencies.Urban planners said fire safety is a critical aspect of urban living, and BMC’s campaign is a timely one since in the recent past various critical fire incidents were reported in the city. “Residents should take part in this drive in large numbers as it is for their own safety. Their participation in the mock drills is equally important,” urban planner Piyush Ranjan Rout said.He said that by fostering a well-informed community, Bhubaneswar can significantly reduce the risk of fire-related incidents and enhance overall safety of its citizens.