NEW DELHI. Minister of State (MoS) for Defence Dr Subhash Bhamre inaugurated a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) workshop on ‘Fire Safety Technologies and Services’ in New Delhi on January 21.

Fire Adviser, Ministry of Home Affairs DK Shamialso attended the function. Secretary Department of Defence R&D & Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy was present on the occasion.

Dr Subhash Bhamre in his inaugural address congratulated DRDO for organising the workshop and said the best way to minimise the risk of fire is to understand potential threats and put in place preventive measures.

Technologies developed by Centre for Fire, Explosive and Environment Safety (CFEES) can have application for civil sectors also, and needs to be exploited to the fullest, he added.

The workshop was organised by CFEES, a lab of DRDO with an aim to sensitise the State Fire Services and Users on the use of risk evaluation, mitigation and elimination of fire related accidents and adopt the technologies developed by DRDO.

An exhibition of products and technologies developed by CFEES was also organised on the sidelines of the workshop.

Dr G Satheesh Reddy in his address said the technologies and products developed by DRDO are finding application not only in defence sector but also have spin-offs for civilian sectors.

He said: “We need to look for opportunities and gear up the capacity for indigenous fire safety products and services in India.”

DK Shami in his speech highlighted the need for formation of core group for short and long term roadmap for R&D and test facilities in the areas of fire safety, and low cost impact technology for fire safety to be developed by DRDO. Products and technologies developed by DRDO can be introduced into the State Fire Services, he added.

Dr Chitra Rajagopal, Director General (SAM) at DRDO headquarter welcomed the delegates and said in order to enhance the fire fighting efficiency, the Fire Services has to be well equipped with state-of-art technologies and equipment.

She said DRDO can play an important role by sensitising on latest fire safety technologies & products developed by CFEES for the Armed Forces.

The inaugural session of the workshop was followed by technical presentations, panel discussions and product demonstrations.

A large number of delegates including Directors General, Directors of the State Fire Services and Fire Chiefs of many States and Union Territories attended the workshop.