Home Minister Gurung Inspects Juddha Barun Yantra Office in Bhaktapur, Shows Interest in Drone-Based Firefighting

Dragon Media News Desk

Home Minister Sudhan Gurung on Tuesday inspected the Juddha Barun Yantra office at DudhpatI in Bhaktapur and said the government would pay attention to expanding the use of modern technology in firefighting.

Office chief Bijaya Dhaubadel briefed Minister Gurung on the current condition of fire engines, available equipment and the problems facing firefighting services. Gurung said drone technology was now being used for fire control and that Nepal should also focus on adopting such technology. He also expressed commitment to taking necessary initiatives to address problems facing the fire service.

Dhaubadel said firefighters had been receiving training from a Belgian team and that the availability of at least two drones would make it easier to control fires in high-rise buildings and difficult locations. The government has allocated Rs 9.4 million this year for the purchase of technology and equipment. He also requested government support for establishing a museum to preserve old fire engines and for addressing staff-related problems.

After inspecting the Juddha Barun Yantra office, Home Minister Gurung visited the Navadurga Temple later that night. He received information about the traditional sacrifice of a khamey, or buffalo, on the night of the ninth day of Dashain. On behalf of the Navadurga Devgan, Narayan Banmala said the government should pay greater attention to supporting the operation of the Navadurga Jatra and related festivals.

Minister Gurung also inspected Kamalbinayak Bazaar and Kamalpokhari. On the occasion, federal lawmaker Rukesh Ranjit, Gangalaxmi Awal and others briefed him on the overall situation in Bhaktapur and local needs.