Bhayandar: For those opting to live in high-rises above 14 floors in Mira Road, god’s mercy seems to be the only solace in case of a fire. Reason: while the fire brigade has ladders that reach only up to 38 metres, the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) continues clearing proposals for buildings up to a height of 70 metres (25 floors). More than five years after standing instructions issued by the Directorate of Maharashtra Fire Services, the MBMC has finally set the ball rolling to procure its tallest ladder for the fire and emergency service wing. After extended round of delays, a Germany-based manufacturer was finally shortlisted to provide a state-of-the art, 68-meter tall- Turn Table Ladder (TTL) which can reach as high as 24 floors. However, the procurement will take at least 16 months after the issuance of work order, even as several buildings are on the verge of completion, some even occupied. With an estimated price tag of around 14,00,850 Euros (approx. Rs 11.46 crore), the multi-faceted equipment will have a host of specified features to match the international standards.
Apart from having a capability of rotating 360 degrees at any angle of elevation, the TTL shall be microprocessor-based electro hydraulically controlled, permitting precise and easy operations under the most difficult conditions, with ample reserve strength and stability to withstand the huge pressure of wind at dizzying heights. Experts from the German manufacturer, will train a batch of fire brigade personnel on how to operate the TTL which will also have a remote controlled monitor, connected with a telescopic fixed waterway directly to the rescue cage with appropriate inlet connection.
