Time now to export fire fighting equipment than importing them: Bhamre

India needs to be self-reliant in fire fighting equipment and instead of importing them the country needs to think of exporting such items, Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre said.

Speaking at the workshop on fire safety technologies and services at the DRDO Bhawan here on Monday, the Minister said: "The government has drawn out plans to effectively secure critical infrastructure which is likely to act as a major driver of growth, safety, and security".

He said the government has initiated several infrastructure projects and there has been demand in the public safety, fire service products, and surveillance.

The best way to minimise the risk of fire is to put in place preventive measures, he added.

Hailing Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) for its dedicated Research and Development, Dr Bhamre said the technology developed by the organisation can be used by civil sectors too.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman of DRDO G Satheesh Reddy said equipment developed for defence purposes have found utilities in civil domain and paramilitary forces.

"We develop equipment for armed forces but if the need arises we can make a modified version which can be used for civilian purposes," Reddy said.

The organisation was working and developing technologies for fire service and paramilitary, he added.

Besides fire services products, Reddy said that DRDO has also developed a product for rescuing children who have fallen in bore wells. He also stressed on having Indian standard in fire and explosive areas.

Emphasising to make the Prime Minister's Make in India initiative true, Reddy said: "Let's not import any fire fighting equipment but export such items".