Chief Minister Pramod Sawant inaugurated the redesigned and reconstructed existing buildings and additional construction of new administration and training block for the Fire Station at Panaji, on Friday.
Photo Credits: Narayan Pissurlenkar
PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday announced the introduction of short-term and diploma courses on disaster management and fire & emergency services, starting June 2025.
Speaking at the inauguration of the newly constructed administrative and training block at the Fire Force Headquarters and Fire Station in Panaji, Sawant said these would also include full-fledged certificate courses in fire and emergency response techniques.
“These courses will not only help the serving fire personnel to upgrade their skills but will also benefit others, including college students. Disaster management and certificate courses, both short-term and long-term, are essential. I have discussed with the department to commence these courses from June 2025,” he said. The courses, the CM added, will be for pan-India students as it has an affiliation with Nagpur’s Disaster Management College.
As the State government promotes ‘skilling, reskilling and upskilling’, the CM further mentioned that the headquarters, which also serves as a training centre, will enhance employment opportunities within the department and abroad, particularly in sectors like shipping, where the demand is high.
The state-of-the-art building complex, inaugurated on Friday, includes a new building to house DFES, barracks, offices, and the administration unit of the fire force Headquarters and fire station, a new motor transport workshop, and new canteen and mess facilities.
Built at a cost of around Rs 34-36 crore, this complex also comprises a training institute. Several officers from different states and countries have so far undergone training at the current institute.
“We not only celebrate the unveiling of this modern infrastructure but also honour the bravery, dedication, and commitment of our fire personnel. Every day, they risk their lives to protect ours, working under extreme conditions with resilience and determination. These new facilities are a small acknowledgment of their efforts and a promise to support them in every possible way,” DFES Director Nitin Raiker said.
Additionally, the Fire Station buildings at Valpoi and Bicholim are being executed through the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC), and the Fire Station building at Vasco by the Public Works Department.
The CM also launched the Agni Sandesh app, developed by IT engineer Milroy Gomes, which provides real-time fire updates.
