Mysore/Mysuru, March 5 -- Fire and Emergency Services DGP seeks rule exemption; no response from State Govt.

Amidst the looming threat of forest fires exacerbated by the failure of the monsoon in Bandipur and Nagarahole Tiger Reserves, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services finds itself grappling with a critical shortage of fire engines.

This scarcity arises primarily due to the age limit policy enforced by the Central Government, which mandates the deregistration and scrapping of all vehicles owned by Central and State Governments, including buses operated by transport corporations and public sector entities, once they exceed 15 years of age.

During the summer months, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services typically disp...