India, Nov. 9 -- The Thane Fire Brigade, responsible for responding to fires and emergency calls across the rapidly growing city, is operating with barely one-fourth of its sanctioned manpower even as construction and population density continue to rise. Official data shows that against an approved strength of 835 personnel, the department currently has only 184 staff members, just 22% of its required workforce.

The most acute shortage is among frontline firemen, who form the core of firefighting and rescue operations. Of the sanctioned 450 firemen posts, only 66 are filled. This shortage has left the brigade struggling to simultaneously respond to multiple incidents, particularly during high-risk periods such as festivals. During the re...