Thu Apr 17 10:27:22 UTC 2025: ## Shivamogga Faces Firefighting Vehicle Shortage After Scrapping Policy
**Shivamogga, Karnataka, April 17, 2025** – The Shivamogga district in Karnataka is facing a critical shortage of firefighting vehicles following the implementation of a vehicle scrapping policy. Seven fire tenders have been scrapped due to age, leaving the district with insufficient resources to respond to emergencies.
The shortage is particularly acute in Sorab taluk, where a recent fire in an agricultural field highlighted the problem. Residents claim that the small, available mini rescue vehicle was inadequate to control the blaze, resulting in significant losses for farmers. A BJP delegation met with the Deputy Commissioner to voice concerns and demand additional vehicles.
District Fire Officer B.R. Ashok Kumar confirmed the shortage, stating that a proposal for new vehicles has been sent to the head office. He cited the long lead times for manufacturing specialized firefighting vehicles as a major obstacle. While a request to exempt firefighting vehicles from the scrapping policy was denied by the central government, efforts are underway to secure new tenders, with Sorab prioritized. Currently, the district operates with five water tenders, one water boozer, and the mini rescue vehicle.
First Piper 