problems of fire hazards and their management in solapur...

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"PROBLEMS OF FIRE HAZARDS AND THEIR MANAGEMENT IN SOLAPUR DISTRICT"

A Minor Research Project Report

Submitted to

UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION

By

Chief Investigator DR. MRS. NEHA N. CHAKRADEO

Associate Professor, Department of Geography,

Sangameshwar College, Solapur.

Co-Investigator

DR. Y.S. KHAN

Associate Professor, Department of Geography, Sangameshwar College,

Solapur.

MARCH - 2012

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Acknowledgement

It gives us pleasure to submit this report on The problems of

Fire Hazards and their Managements to University grants

commission for providing the opportunity to complete this project

by financial support. We have got a chance to look to this matter

of hazard management which is very much relevant for the society.

We are grateful to our Principal, Dr. R. V.

Anyapannawar for his encouragements and moral support.

We must thank Dr. N. B. Teli, Head, Department of

Geography for his encouragement. His valuable suggestions

helped us a lot during the field visits and data collection. We are

also thankful to Dr. R. J. Moharkar, Prof. S. S. Maske,

Prof. D. S. Patil, Prof. Mrs. M. M. Wadapur, Prof.

Dulange, S. A. Nimbaragi & Miss H. D. Ranade for their

helping hand in collection and tabulating the data. Prof. Mrs. S.

Rajmanya, Asso. Professor, Dept. of Statistics has helped us

in analyzing the data. She also helped in interpretation of the

correlation analysis. We are thankful to her as well.

We are very much thankful to all the villagers of different

villages for providing us the information, their expectations

regarding this problem. The time to time visits and personal

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discussions with, the chief fire officer, Solapur Municipal

Corporation helped us to interpret the data. His suggestions were

very valuable to complete the project.

We are thankful to the members of Sangameshwar College

Library, for providing all types of sources. We are also thankful

to Mr. Vishwas Kamble for his neat and flawless typing work

and drawing of maps.

Our family members have also supported hole heartedly in the

completion of this entire project. The work could not have been

completed without their support. Hence, we are grateful to them also.

Last but not the least, we thank each and every person who

helped us in completing this project. - Dr. Ms. N. N. Chakradeo Chief investigator

- Dr. Y. S. Khan Co investigator

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INDEX

1 Chapter I Page No.

1.1 Introduction 1

1.2 Significance of the Study 3

1.3 Objective of the Study 4

1.4 Methodology adopted 4

1.5 Scheme of the Chapters 5

2 Chapter II (Literature Review)

2.1 S F A C 6

2.2 Guidelines by SFAC 7

2.3 G. G. Menon, Fire Advisor (Retd) 8

2.4 Mohit Isija 8

2.5 Various Industries 9

2.6 Anand Akmanchi and all 10

2.7 Various Nations 10

2.8 India – Fire Prevention Act 1996 14

2.9 Mr. Vinod Bahuguna 15

3 Chapter III

Solapur District : The case Study Area

3.1 Location 19

3.2 Physiography 21

3.3 Geology 25

3.4 Climate 25

3.5 Soil 30

3.6 Natural Vegetation 31

3.7 Fauna 33

3.8 Agriculture 34

3.9 Transportation 37

3.10 Settlements 40

3.11 Industries 49

3.12 Population 53

3.13 Migration 54

3.14 Market Centre 55

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3.15 Weekly Markets 55

3.16 Summary 56

4 Chapter IV

Sample Survey & case Studies

4.1 Introduction 61

4.2 Methodology 61

4.3 The Analysis 63

4.4 Record of Fire incidence 66

4.5 Incidences of forest fires 84

4.6 The causes of fire hazards 86

4.7 Solapur City 89

5 Chapter V Conclusions & Suggestions

5.1 Conclusions 93

5.2 Suggestions 96

Bibliography 99

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List of Maps 1. 3.1 Location map 20

3.2 Physiographjy 22

3.3 Drainage 24

3.4 Rainfall 27

3.5 Natural vegetation 30

3.6 Solapur Dist. Transportation 38

3.7 District of settlements 42

3.8 Nearest Neighbour (2001) 43

3.9 Population of District (2001) 44

3.10 MIDC & Co-oP Ind. Estates sugar Industries Location. 48 4.1 Sample Villages – Akkalkot 73

4.2 Sample Villages – Barshi 74

4.3 Sample Villages – Karmala 75

4.4 Sample Villages – Madha 76

4.5 Sample Villages – Mohol 77

4.6 Sample Villages – Malshiras 78

4.7 Sample Villages – Magalwedha 79

4.8 Sample Villages – N. Solapur 80

4.9 Sample Villages – Pandharpur 81

4.10 Sample Villages – Sangola 82

4.11 Sample Villages – S. Solapur 83

4.12 Solapur City 90

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List of Tables 1. 3.1 Av. An M. + /r/ wind – Solapur 22

3.2 Duration of Breaks in Monsoon 28

3.3 Humidity 30

3.4 Land use Pattern 2000-01 34

3.5 Area under crops 35

3.6 Road Trans (2000-01) 37

3.7 % of Population with Tar Roads (2001) 39

3.8 Rn Index 45

3.9 Urban centers 46

3.10 Classification of Rural settlements 47

3.11 Various Industrial units 51

3.12 Population density 53

3.13 No. of weekly markets 56

4.1 Survey of Villages 64

4.2 Supply of drinking water 65

4.3 Fire Hazards in Solapur District 67

Annexure I (Questionnaire) Marathi 101 Annexure II (Questionnaire) English 104 Annexure III List of Sample Villages 106

Photographs

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When you Need a Fire Brigade

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PROBLEMS OF FIRE HAZARDS AND THEIR MANAGEMENT IN

SOLAPUR DISTRICT

Chapter – 1

Introduction–

The human life and his property are the most valuable for the

society. In the modern period, due to growing industrialization and

urbanization process, the living pattern of man has been changed. The

natural calamities as well as cultural calamities like social wars, accidents

destroy the life and property in a very short period of time. These

incidences are many times unpredictable and therefore very difficult to

control, in spite of the available human resource.

Among these calamities and emphophynetic events, ‘Fire’ is the

most dangerous component to destroy the life and property. Man has learnt

to utilize the gifts provided by the nature and ‘Fire’ is considered as his

first invention. Man uses water, soil, sun and wind for his livelihood. In

spite of their benefits, sometimes these natural gifts become

uncontrollable, most disastrous and hazardous to human society as well as

to the entire ecosystem.

The minute observations of man and his capacity for discoveries and

inventions have helped him to overcome such problems. Since industrial

revolution, the problem of fire hazards has become more serious. Most of

the properties in urban sectors, industrial towns are vulnerable to such

hazards. Multistoried buildings, narrow roads, compact settlements make

the problem of fire more severe. In rural areas, shortage of water, absence

of fire control equipments and abundant supply of invaluable materials are

responsible for increasing severity of the fire. Accidental fires due to

leakage, seepage etc. should be controlled immediately. There should be

enough supply of fire fighting equipments within the vicinity of accident

prone areas.

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Now a days, in India the development process of urbanization and

industrialization is very fast. There is a growing need of controlling the fire

hazards for the reduction of material and life loss Maharashtra in one of the

most industrialized and urbanized stales in India.

Within the state of Maharashtra, Solapur district occupies about

4.2% of area and 4.5% of population. This district has some industrial

establishments as well as large area is occupied by small towns and

villages. There are two national highways namely NH9, NH13 which cross

of district. The presence of state highways No. SH – 3, SH-49, SH-71, SH-

77, SH- 141 and SH – 151 as well as Central Railway Broad Gauge Lines

482.90 km. represent a heavy load of traffic across the district. There are

52 trains which pass through Solapur Railway Junction in 24 hours. Thus,

the problem of fire hazards and its urgent eradication is a need of the

district.

Considering the area and population of Solapur district, the existing

fire stations are not enough in human. They are scattered in the district and

are concentrated at the district headquarter as well as towns. Some fire

stations are privately owned. It is not possible for these present stations to

contrail the fire situations is entire district as early as possible. It has

become most essential to develop a network of all fire stations within the

district and the adjoining area. Nearly 68% of the population of the district

is in rural areas as per the census of India 2011. Scarcity of water is always

a problem in this drought prone area of Maharashtra.

Relevance of the topic –

The topic of 'Problems of Fire Hazards and Their Management'

belongs to various disciplines like social sciences, technology, pure and

applied sciences geography is the most applied branch of sciences which

considers social, pure and applied sciences together. It considers all

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dimensions of the problem for wellbeing of the mankind. Geographers can

justify such wide spread problems spatially.

The problems of fire and its remedies are to be analyzed

aesthetically and their proper solutions may be suggested by geographers

in most suitable manners. The present problem of fire hazards is a social

problem However, as an environmentalist, a geographer may handle it

more carefully. Hence this problem has been selected by geographers to

contribute their relevant information to the planners of the government and

private sector.

1.2 Significance of the study

Welfare of the society is a prime aim and purpose of a study. There

is no doubt, in urban areas; the fire incidences are more frequent. They

should be controlled as early as possible to minimize the material and life

loss. The rural areas also face this problem. Thatched roofs, storage of

fodder, kerosene and wood like inflammable material, make the problem

server. The shortage of water, absence of modern fire extinguishers, and

the distance are responsible for material loss as well as life loss. There are

government and private agencies which try to solve this problem; their

efforts have limitations due to the number of incidences, distance and lack

of communication systems. The total number of fire brigades in the district

is less in numbers.

Solapur district has spinning mills, textile units, sugar factories, food

processing units, engineering and chemical factories scattered at the district

and tahasil headquarters mainly. Some of the industries have their fire

protection systems like extinguishers or even the fire engines. However,

the smaller industrial units do not have any such provision of fire fighting.

Thus, the material and life loss are considerably high. Therefore, it is

necessary to develop a plan for future to control of such fire incidences.

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1.3 Objective of the study –

1) To trace out the present frame of structure of fire brigades within the

Solapur district.

2) To study the history of development of fire services within the district.

3) To list out the short comings of fire service.

4) To suggest the new locations for extended municipal areas.

5) To suggest remedies for the problems of human resources regarding

fire services within the district.

6) To develop the human resources this can be utilized in case of any

calamity as supplementary force within the district and even outside

also.

1.4 Methodology Adopted

1) Literature review – Various information have been collected from

internet as well as personal discussions with the Chief Fire Officers,

Solapur Municipal Corporation. The Information includes national

odes international scenario as well as present situation in India.

(Internet – Wikipedia free encyclopedia)

2) Collection of data – The data regarding area, population characters,

transport and communications have been collected from the gazetteer

of Solapur district, socio-economic review of Solapur district 2005-

2007, published by the govt. of Maharashtra. Recent population data

have been collected form Census of India – 2011 (Internet – Google

search).

The data regarding fire incidence has been collected from the

Police Records, Solapur district. It is published in daily Marathi news

papers.

Sample survey of industries and time to time visits to the villages for

collection of the data have been carried out to find out the availability of

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fire services.

3) Analysis of the data – The collected data has been processed for further

analysis. Graphs and diagrams have been prepared. To find out the

relation between numbers of incidences, loss of material and available

fire services Karl Pearson’s test of product movements has been

applied.

4) Field visits – Field visits were arranged in the district to collect the

sample survey data.

5) Interpretation – The collected and processed data has been interpreted

to find out the conclusion and suggestions.

1.5 Scheme of the chapters

The first chapter introduces the importance of the topic. It explains

the significance of the problem in various disciplines of knowledge.

The second chapter indicates the literature review regarding

understanding the problem of fire hazards. It also helps of find out the

insufficient human resource and infrastructure regarding fire services in

India.

The third chapter represents the details of physiography, climate,

flora and fauna, water resources, transport and communication facilities,

population as well as settlement patterns in the district. It provides the

necessary background to understand the problem.

The fourth chapter explains the analysis of the collected data from

various sources. It also includes the interpretation of the data and helps to

find out the solution to the problem.

The fifth chapter exhibits the summery of the work and conclusions.

The findings and suggestions are based on the collected data.

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B4

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CHAPTER II Literature review

2.1 SFAC – Indian Fire Service was first established in Bombay (1803)

followed by Calcutta and Madras. Thus, the services have a history of

more than 200 years. After the independence Standing Fire Advisory

Council (SFAC) was established under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

In 2001, the Ministry of Home Affairs has declared that there are

2100 fire stations with 6549 vehicles and 60, 730 fire fighters as

professionals who are functioning in India. This does not include the

private sector 275 units, which are working in industries 1. This service is

limited to the urban areas only.

The fire services are available during:

1) Natural disasters

2) Manmade disasters

3) Collapsing of buildings

4) Industrial accidents

5) Railway road accidents etc.

---- need their help of save the life and property. It acts as an all

hazards response unit.

The SAFC is laying down the norms for –

1) Establishment of Fire Services in India.

2) Annual regular meetings to discuss the latest technology available.

3) Advice the State Governments to undertake ‘Forest Fire Management

Programs’.

The fire services in India are categories in four groups.

1) Defense Services, Railways, Aviations, Dock Yards and

Communication Ministries.

2) State Government.

3) Local bodies like Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, and

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Municipal Committees etc.

4) Private sector Industries, factories etc.

The necessary man power is provided through 1) The Officers

Training Unit, Nagpur (M.S.) 2) The Fire Fighters Training Schools,

located in 14 states.

In Maharashtra, One Fire Fighters' Training School is present at

Mumbai.

3) A special engineering branch is present at Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar

Marathwada University, Aurangabad (MS)

4) Now a day, private institutes are also organizing certificate and

Diploma Courses in fire fighting.

2.2 Guide lines by SFAC-

The Chief Fire Advisor Govt. Of India and The Director General for

Civil Defense and Home Guards has published the recommendations

through the Standing Fire Advisor Council under the Ministry of Home

Affairs. These guide lines include the responses time, area, number of fire

stations and engines, reservation of engine in details.

According to these recommendations:-

1) The response time for a fire service station is 3 to 5 minutes for A, B,

C, Zones and 20 minutes for ‘D’ zone.

2) The fire station should cover 10 sq. km. distance i. e. each fire station

will cover 10 sq. km. distance. It is flexible as per the topography and

risks to fire.

3) Considering the population size :-

Population (lakh) No. of engines.

0.5 1

1.0 2

1.5 3

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2.0 4

2.5 5

3.0 6

3 lakh population on wards – 1 additional engine per lakh

4) One rescue van for 3 to 10 lakh population.

5) Ambulance, turn table ladder etc. are to be present as per the need.

2.3 G. B. Menon, (Retd.) Fire Advisor, Govt. of India says that as far as

the safety cover in urban areas is concerned, we do not have manpower,

equipments and training while the situation in rural areas is worse. There

are no fire services. If is not advisable that the urban centers provide fire

services to the rural areas 2. (PTI - 2010)

Except Goa & Jammu Kashmir, there is no professional leadership

of fire services. In most of the cases the officers from police departments

are appointed as head of the fire fighting force.

There is a need for ‘National Fire Service Commission.’ In absence

of proper fire safety norms, the incidences of blazes are going to increase.

The recent incidences of fire at Kolkata, Thane, Bengluru are basically

due to bad or poor implementation of Fire Safety Norms.

2.4 Mohit Isija has discussed some observations and the causes of fire

hazards and forest fires mainly.

1. Hot sunny day with low humidity & strong breezes cause rapid spread

of fire.

2. Fire travels at a speed of 15 km / hr down wind direction also slowly to

the sides. It continues till the fuel is burning there.

3. Generally the forest fires start as surface fire. The upwards rise of hot

air may affect the nearly areas and start new fire.

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4. The increasing use of cooking gas, and supply by pipelines also cause

fire. The CNG used in automobiles is dangerous. It may catch fire

anytime.

5. Petrochemicals, paints, tar, spirit etc. are prone to self ignition of

Oxidation when it comes in contact with the air. The high temperatures

cause flame point rise, and catches fire.

6. Slums are very closely spaced. It has unnecessary accumulation of

combustible material. Hot and dry seasons, lack of fire equipments,

electric supply through loose joints cause heavy loss due to fire in the

slums.

7. Heating systems, air conditions, inverters etc. installations, are some of

the causes of fire due to short circuits.

8. In kitchen, accidents are frequent. Chulha, Kerosene, leakage of

cooking gas are some of the important reasons for material and life

loss.

9. Use of fireworks in festival seasons is another important reason of fire

incidences. Many a time's women and children are affected by it.

10. Presently the high rising buildings are very much important. There is

carelessness in applying N.B.C. as well as narrow roads, absence of

safety norms are responsible for heavy loss.

2.5 Various Industries : Bakery plants are responsible for numerous accidents. Most of these units are small to medium in size. These

unit are labour intensive. Use of oil, sugar and flour are responsible

for fire incidences.

‘Promat Initiatives- Tech. Services’ a private company had surveyed

that there are 25000 deaths due to fire in India with loss of Rs.

12000 crores in India, every year. Lack of awareness is most

important cause of such incidences and loss.

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2.6 Anand Akmanchi : Anand Akmanchi and all had calculated existing fire services efficiency for Pune city. According to them in

present situation, the stations can respond in 11 minutes to a call

while the international standard is 3 to 4 minutes. The problem can

be solved by allocation of 1 more station in the study area 3.

2.7 Various Nations : Various nations have adapted different systems to prevent and control fire hazards 4.

Australia –

Fire services are state organization. There are salaried or

professional fighters as well as volunteers in rural and urban areas. The

government organizations mostly work for the forest fires. Each state has

two units for rural as well as urban areas separately. The funds are

provided by F E S A for equipments training, vehicles, stations etc. The

local authorities have separate levy for emergency services.

Austria –

As per 2007, there were 4527 volunteer departments with 3,20,000

men and women working as fire fighters. Even a smallest village has a fire

fighting unit. The small towns and villages rely on volunteers. There are

professionals who work with private companies, factories, 328 companies

provide services at airports, oil refineries, hospital, etc.

Brazil –

Brazil has militarized services in each state. In South Barzil,

volunteers are fire fighters since last century.

Canada –

The large cities & towns have fulltime fire fighting departments

while the smaller towns have part time volunteers. All municipal

departments have public operations while the private properties have their

own units. Forest fire, National defense, airports have their own units.

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Chile-

In Chile the fire fighting system is very unique. By law each one

must finance maintain and operate their buildings and equipments. They

do not rely on government.

Denmark-

In Denmark fire protection service is a municipal task by law. The

service must be provided within 5 minutes after as call. There are public

fire service depts. as well as volunteers on contract basis. These public

companies do provide service to their neighbors.

Finland –

A small country like Finland has professionals, half ordinary and

volunteers as fire fighters Approximately there are 12000 fire incidences

and 85000 emergency missions every years.

France-

There are professional as well as volunteer fire brigades. The

volunteers are nearly 1,90,000 which is largest no. in France. They are

paid for their extra working hours.

The professional fire fighters are approximately 30,000 working in

shifts. Only in Pairs there are 7000 volunteers and 2000 professional fire

fighters which tackle all sorts of emergencies.

Germany –

According to law there must be one fire station in each village &

town. There are 25000 local brigades with 24000 volunteers. The private

brigades are nearly 900. The public brigades are supported by volunteers.

Some brigades have ambulance crew also. It is estimated that there are

1,30,000 active members.

Hong Kong –

This small island state has 8675 uniformed fire fighters with 676

civilian members. The ambulances have trained men & women attendants.

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Hungary –

In Hungary there are 7000 professional fire fighters in service of

municipal organizations. They have 24/48 hr duty or even 24/72 hr. duty.

Industrial units have full time or part time specially trained fire fighters as

per their requirement.

Israel –

There are 24 metro regions under the sole authority in the caviler.

Smaller stations are at villages and towns which have 1200 paid

professionals, 200 to 400 volunteers and six units specially trained for

hazardous material emergencies.

Japan –

The ‘Hikeshi’ of Japan was established in 1629. All the units were

united after the second world war in 1948.

Today the fire fighting units are in villages, towns and cities. There

are 894 fire fighting headquarters, 3598 volunteer corps and 1,55,000

active career fire fighters. However, the numbers of volunteers is

9,20,000.

Netherlands –

All the municipalities are bound by law to have a fire fighting units.

They are responsible for all incidences. Therefore, there are 25 safety

regions with same boundary of police, fire fighters and ambulances. There

units rely on single national digital network communication. They can

provide mutual assistance. There are 25% professionals and 75%

volunteer fire fighters.

New Zealand –

As per 1975 act, there is nationwide ‘New Zealand Fire Service

Commission’. There are rural fire offices in each city & dist. councils for

the protection of forest fires. New Zealand Defense Services, Department

of Conservation of Natural Resources and the privately owned forest

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property owners have difference services.

The specially trained forest fires provide their services to Australia

and USA also.

Portugal –

There are volunteers in every town, big cities as well as

professionals in the large cities. These are well equipped and trained

personals. There are video based remote monitoring systems. Fire

detection and control is a must for each building. The unit is always ready

to provide assistance in European Union and also aerial fire fighters for

forest fires.

Slovenia –

A small country like Slovenia has nearly 1,33,000 volunteers for the

support of govt. agencies. The agencies are allowed to get donations from

private sectors. Training is compulsory in private sector.

U. K. –

The fire services are at county or municipal unit level in England.

While in Scotland and Wales, it is regional based unit. Ireland has only

one brigade.

In rural areas, part timers are available to run the fire stations. The

large industries have independent private services. By law, a fire brigade

should respond to any call where there is a threat to life and environment.

U S A -

There are various companies which are run by local government of a

country which finances such service. Some states have fire fighting

departments to handle forest fire and wild life. The military establishments

and airports have their own fire brigades. There are some private agencies

which operate for profit on behalf of the public entities. In urban areas

there are professional or career fire fighters. While in rural areas there are

volunteers or paid on call services. The small towns may have either of the

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two type services.

There is a separation for towns.

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commented that, there are 718 high rising buildings in Delhi alone which

are flouting the fire safety norms. These buildings are located in busy

markets like Karol Bagh, Sadar Bazar, Gandhi Nagar.

There are narrow roads, and narrow stairways. The fire safety norms

are lacking.

If the building is less than 15 meters in height, it does not require the

fire safety norm. In such a situation, the fire brigade is helpless.

2.9 Mr. Vinod K Bahuguna from Ministry of Environment and Forests has stated that (IFF – 26/2/2007 – P23-27) India has a forest cover which

has variety of climate, variety of biomes and biological communities.

About 50% of the forest cover areas are prove to fire hazards and 6% are

prove to serve damage 5.

Most of the fires are due to human interference, deliberately done

act. It has relation with the socio economic conditions. Grazing, shifting

cultivation, minor forest products, carelessness of travelers and campers

are some of the other reasons of forest fires.

According to the constitution of India, Fire Protection is a duty of

State Government Forest Departments. However, considering the size of

forest and the available forest personals it in difficult to control the forest

fire. A systematic forest fire management programme is lacking in the

country. The Ministry of Environment & Forest is working on National

Master Plan for Forest Fire Control.

Effective ground patrolling,, communication network, use of GPS

and remote sensing techniques should be given enough importance in fire

detection. There is a need of more joint forest management committees to

be involved in forest fire control. These committees include forest officers

and villages.

The above literature review clearly indicates that considering the

area, present population and the available number of only 60,730 trained

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fire fighters in India, there is an urgent need to improve the fire fighting

services. The rural areas are totally deprived of the fire fighting services.

A small country like Japan has very well developed fire service with

9,20,000 volunteers and 1,55,000 professional fire fighter. Most of the

European countries have developed advanced fire services. The reason

may be their experience during the Second World War. Even China is

planning to improve the rural houses as to reduce the loss and develop fire

services in the rural areas. A small country like Hong Kong is well

equipped. We must save over people their property and the natural

resources for the next generations by improving the existing fire fighting

Services.

**************

Reference:-

1) Fire situation in India

- Vinod K. Bahuguna / Satendra Singh

The forest fire situation in India. Ind.

Forest Fire News 26.

2) Forest Home Fire Safety

- F. C. Demin 1 (4107)

Csfs. Colostate edu / wildfire htm.

3) Fire Service

- O. P. Bhagat (Internal, Google )

4) Fire Preparedness in Urban India not up to standards – G. B. Menon

(NAFO)

Panaji 23 April, 2010 0 Headlines India

5) Fire – internet (google)

6) Human error caused Jaipur JOC terminal fire prof. shows. –

(Intnernet)

7) India Together – How fire safe are our Schools?

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- Harminder Kour & Bhargani S. Rao Aug. 2004 Environment

Support Group. Bangalore. Contact -+91-80-26534364/ 26531339

website : www.esgindia.org.

8) No fore station in Goa due to high property prices – Sr. official,

Ashok Menon.

9) Indian Fire service – Shravan_admin’s b log 16/2/2010

10) Loug ferm care facility- Control of fire hazards

-http:// www.ofm.gov.on/ca/english/publications/guidelines/resicar

5.asp

11) How to prevent fire accidents in India?

- Mohit Tasija Environment (google)

12) Delhi has 718 high rise buildings flouting fire safety norms.

28/5/2010 New Delhi - PTI

13) Safety & Hazards in Bakery Plants (google search)

14) O Odger’s Ranch Indian Reservation.

15) ORDINANACE FIRE HAZARDS 08/02/1973

- Town of Vienna – Peter Clemens & al.

16) Rural Fire Safety & Prevention

- Kumar station officer, Manali, (google search)

17) Control of substances Hazardows to Health, Health & Safety Training

– (COSHH) (google search)

18) Visualization of fire incidences using Map animaion, Arcview &

development of Fire Emergency Management Information system for

central Pune. Anand Akmachi and all

(email – [email protected])

19) Fire Fighting world wide –

for Wikipedia, free encyclopedia

20) Fire Protection –

form wikipedia, the gree encyclopedin http:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki

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/Fire protection.

21) Fire situation in India (IFFN NO. 26 Jan-2002 P23-27) – Vinod K

Bhaugana/Satendra Sing.

email -

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Cut off O2

and heat to

Control a Fire

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CHAPTER – III SOLAPUR DISTRICT :THE CASE STUDY AREA

Introduction –

Solapur District is a part of Western Maharashtra. The district

headquarters – Solapur city is famous as a Railway Junction of Central

Railway line which connects Mumbai to Hyderabad, Chennai and

Bangaluru metropolitan cities. It is also famous for cotton spinning mills,

textile units, sugar factories, food processing units and some engineering

units.

During the historical periods, this region was ruled by Nizamshah,

Adilshah, Qutabshah as well as the Marathas. The result is the population

of the region is heterogeneous. Marathi, Hindi, Urdu, Kannada and Telagu

are the main languages for communication. People of various religions

and dialects communicate with each other mainly in Marathi in this border

district of Maharashtra 1.

3.1 Location –

i) Absolute – Solapur district in located in Maharashtra state of India. Its

latitudinal extent is 170 10’ 0” North to 180 32’ 0” North, while the

longitudinal extent is 740 42’ 0” East to 760 15’ 0” East. The district

occupies an area of 14895 km2.

ii) Relative: The study area is a part of the Bhima basin, a main tributary

of river Krishna which drains a large part of the Deccan plateau. The area

is demarcated by Balaghat Range on the east and Shambhu Mahadeo

Range in the west.

The district is surrounded by Osmanabad district in the East, Ahmad

Nagar and Pune districts in North and North West. The Western margin of

the district is demarcated by Satara and Sangali districts. Bijapur district

of Karnataka forms the Southern boundary of the district (fig.– 3.1)

31

3.2 Physiography -

Solapur district is situated on the Deccan plateau of India. It is a part of the Bhima River Basin, a main tributary of the River Krishna. Bhima River flows from North West to South East direction over the Deccan plateau. The basin is demarcated by Balaghat Range in the North and Eastern parts of the district, while Shambhu Mahadeo range is present along the Western boundary of the district. The average height of the region is 500 to 600 meters. There are slight undulations on the plateau which have given rise of nearly 40 small tanks in the area. Shikhar Shinganapur with 1050 meters height is the highest peak in the Shambhu Mahadeo range. Almost 70% of the geographical area of the district is occupied by the plateau and 20% is by the river plains. Remaining are the undulating hills present in the western and eastern parts of the district 2. (fig.- 3.2 ) Physiographic Divisions :

The main Physiographic divisions of the Solapur district are as

follows----

1) The Western part of the region comprises the Shambhu Mahadeo

range, a water divide between the Krishna and Bhima river basins.

Highest peak of the range is 1050 meters. The average height of the

range is 750 meters. There are rocky as well as buried pediments at the

foot hills. Most of the Sangola and Malshiras Tahasils are parts of this

physiographic division. It forms a boundary between Sangali & Satara

Tahasils.

2) The North Western part of the district is occupied by the Nira basin at

the Malshiras Tahasil. River Nira is a major tributary a River Bhima,

which is coming from the Western ghats and had a confluence with

river Bhima in the north west of the district. The confluence is present

just downstream of the Ujani Dam in Karmala Tahasil. The river Nira

has developed alluvial plain along the banks. The river forms a

33

boundary between Pune and Solapur Districts.

3) The Central part of the district is occupied by The Bhima river basin,

which forms the third major physiographic divisions. The river Bhima

flower in North West - South East direction at this part of the district.

Karmala, Madha, Malshiras, Pandharpur and Mangalwedha Tahasils

are mainly drained by this river. Thick alluvium is deposited by the

river near the banks of it; while thin alluvium is present away from the

banks. At places, basalt has been exposed to the surface, and even at

the banks, like near Begumpur. (fig. 3.3)

Nira, Man & Korda are the main tributaries of river Bhima coming

from the west and joining the right bank of the river.

4) The Eastern plateau region of the Solapur district rises above 500

meters. It is present at Karmala, Malshiras, Mohol, Pandharpur,

Mangalwedha and South Solapur Tahasils. It is drained by the river

Sina and its tributaries. River Sina and river Bhima have a Confluence

at Kudal Sangam in South Solapur tahasil. Basalt has been exposed to

the surface at places.

5) The Far Eastern hilly region forms a water divide between Bhima and

Godavari river basins. It is known as Balaghat range, rising 600 meters

above the mean sea level. River Bhogavati and Nagzari Orgiginate at

this range of flow for east to west The presence of Bhogawati and

Nagazari rivers has developed undulations in this region. These rivers

join the River Sina, a tributary a Bhima river as stated earlier.

6) The Akkalkot Plains have an average height 480 meters above mean

sea level which are drained by the Bori River and other small 3rd order

streams. The alluvial plains at the banks of the Bhima River are as low

as 440 meters. These plains are covered by thick alluvium and are very

fertile.

35

3.3 Geology -

The study area is a part of the Deccan plateau. This area is also

known as ‘Deccan Traps’, formed by the horizontal layers of lava

deposition during fissure type volcanic eruption. The cooling of these

successive lava layers had given rise to ‘Basalt’ as basal rock. The lava

layers were formed during the Mesozoic period of geological time scale 3.

It is a fact that the basalt has a limited capacity to absorb water. It is

not a permeable and porous rock. Thus, there is a limited storage of

underground water.

3.4 Climate –

The Central parts of Maharashtra and adjoining parts of Northern

Karnataka are located away from both the coastlines of India. The study

region enjoys continental location. It is a rain shadow zone of the Deccan

Plateau. In general, the region has hot and dry climate throughout the year.

The summer season is from March to October while the winter season is

from November of February. Rainfall is recorded from June to October by

the south west monsoon winds. However, the local depressions and

cyclonic showers are recorded in early summer and early winter 4.

The annual average temperature of the district for summer is 39.90C

maximum and 25.10C minimum. During the winter season, the Maximum

temperature is 29.40C and minimum 14.80C. (Table 3.1)

36

Table : 3.1

Annual Average monthly temperature, rainfalls and wind speed of

Solapur District.

Month Maxi. temp 0C

Minimum

Temp 0C

Rain fall Winds per

Km/hr.

January 30.4 15.3 6.4 5.9

February 33.2 17.1 2.8 6.3

March 36.8 20.8 4.0 7.9

April 39.3 24.1 12.3 9.6

May 39.9 25.1 19.6 14.4

June 34.7 23.3 97.7 17.3

July 31.3 22.3 81.9 17.0

August 31.2 21.8 83.0 15.6

September 31.1 21.6 68.5 12.1

October 32.1 20.4 65.1 7.0

November 30.4 17.2 34.4 5.3

December 29.3 14.8 7.6 4.9

Average 33.3 20.3 584.3 10.3

(Source – Solapur Dist. Gazetteer - 1971)

37

Rainfall – As represented in the table 3.1, most of the rainfall is recorded

by the south west monsoon winds in the study area. The annual average

rainfall of the district is 584.3 mm, which is uncertain. It has been noted

from the records during 1901 to 1950, there were 27 years which had the

rainfall below normal. Only 10 years had average rainfall. There were

frequent dry spells within the monsoon period. The average rainy days of

the district are only 425.

The rainfall received in winter is mostly due to cyclones developed

at the Bay of Bengal or at the Arabian Sea. This rainfall is very much

uncertain. As the distribution of the rainfall is considered, the rainfall

amount decreases from east to west. The eastern Tahasils of Barshi,

Akkalkot have average rainfall 700 min. While the western tahasils of

Sangola, Malshiras have only 500 mm as average rainfall ( fig. – 3.4)

Droughts –

The central parts of Maharashtra and Karnataka are considered as

parts of semi arid region. According to Koppen’s classification of climatic

region, it is classified as ‘Baw’ indicating dry semi arid climate. Since the

region is away from both the coast lines of India, the south west monsoon

winds become dry before reaching this region. Most of the moisture is

38

already lost in the ghats due to precipitation. Balaghat range and Shambhu

Mahadeo range, both are of low altitude (900 m above mean sea level)

compared to the eastern and western ghats rising above 1400 m. The winds

can easily pass away without any precipitation as the height of the clouds

does not increase considerably. The distance from the coastlines help of

reduce the humidity of the air.

As per the records of the Solapur District Gazetteer (1971), there are

frequent droughts.

1) 1396 A D – A drought continued for 12 years.

2) 1520 A D – Droughts, civil war, and unstable political conditions were

responsible for destroying standing crops.

3) 1802, 18, 24 A D – These years also recorded droughts especially in

the eastern parts of district due to low rains.

4) 1845, 62, 78 A D – were the years of drought. In 1878, there was a

record of only 1/3rd of the annual average, rainfall.

5) 1879 to 1907 A D – recorded continuously below average rainfall.

6) 1902, 23, 25, 36, 39 to 42, 45 to 47, 52 to 55, 65, 66, 70 to 72 were the

years of drought in the last century. During 1971 nearly 92% crops

were failed. Apart from these records, 1988, 92, 2000 to 2004 were the

years of rainfall below average.

Table 3.2 Duration of breaks in Monsoon and number of weeks

Years Break in Monsoon Duration in Weeks 1951-60 24 72

1961-70 27 71

1971-80 21 75

1981-90 24 70

1991-2000 25 80

Source– Socio Economic Analysis Solapur District, Maharashtra 2001-02

39

The data of breaks in monsoon was used for analysis statistically.

Karl Pearson’s test of product movement was used for the calculation of

‘r’ value by using the following formula:

x y r = ---------- = N xσ yσ

= - 0.1599.

The ‘r’ value calculated is -0.1599, which indicates that though the

numbers of breaks increase, the duration of weeks is reduced. However,

there are some years when the break is more than 4 weeks.

Regression equation was also calculated for the above data by using

the formula:

y = a + bx.

The calculated y = 0.0601 + 3.041 x.

Humidity –

Humidity is an important factor influencing the fire hazards. Due to

the continental location, the district has low humidity except the monsoon

period. The winter and summer seasons record very low humidity. This is

a supportive factor for fire hazards. (Table 3.3)

Wind speed -

The annual average wind speed is 10.3 km/hr as per records of the

district gazetteer. The high speed of winds is due to the uniform

uninterrupted nature of the terrain and the ruggedness is also low. (Table

3.1) The lack of forest cover is responsible for high wind speed, low

humidity and high rate of evaporation. This is a typical climatic character

of semi regions.

40

Table 3.3

Relative Humidity (%) in Solapur District

Month 8.30 a m 17.30 (5.30 pm)

January 49 30

February 40 22

March 35 19

April 38 19

May 48 24

June 69 51

July 74 61

August 76 58

September 77 57

October 64 43

November 57 34

December 53 29

Average 57 37

Source : Solapur district Gazetteer (1971)

3.5 Soil –

The district is situated in the lower Bhima basin. There are 3 types

of soils in the district 6.

1) Thick alluvial soils are present along the banks of the Bhima River and

its tributaries. These soils have high moisture retentivity. The soils

support cultivation of cereals as well as cash crops Jowar, Wheat,

Sugarcane, groundnuts, grapes and vegetables and cultivated in these

soils. The development of lift irrigation, canal irrigation and well

irrigation support 2 to 3 crops in a year. Presently large area is under

cultivation of sugarcane which supports 20 sugar factories in the

district.

41

2) Alluvial soils are present in the eastern part of the district, along the

left bank tributaries of Bhima River. With the help of irrigation

facilities, these soils support cultivation of cereals and pulses on a large

scale. Cash crops like sugar cane, grapes, vegetables and groundnuts

are also cultivated with the help of irrigation. These soils are slightly

light brown or black in colour and less fertile than the thick alluvial

soils of the central parts.

3) The foothills of Balaghat and Mahadeo range exhibit poor, infertile

soils with high percentage of calcium. These are coarser soils with poor

moisture retentivity. Only rabbi crops are cultivated in these areas due

to lack of irrigation facilities and scarcity of water. The kharif crops are

cultivated only during the years of good monsoonal rains.

The irrigated soils of Bhima basin have a problem of water logging

at places. The hills and highlands have very thin cover of soil, which can

support some varieties of grasses and shrubs. Most of the hill slopes are

barren due to extensive grazing, removal of forest cover and soil erosion.

3.6 Natural Vegetation –

The district has a very low percentage of area under forest. Presently only 2.14 percent of area is covered by forest (2001). Due to the growing pressure of Population, over grazing, as well as the frequent droughts vegetation cover is being reduced. (fig. 3.5) There are 4 major types of forests present in the district 7. 1) Dry thorny forest – These are the drought resistant varieties present in

the district e. g. Burseraceae Euphorbiaceous, Bauhinia, Racemonson Acacia Arabica, Zizybhis Jujube, Tamarindus India, Acacia Sundra, Ficus Bengalences, Albizzia Lebbek etc.

2) Dry deciduous forests - These trees are sparsely present at places. e. g. – Terminalia Tomentosa, Santalum Album, Cassia Fistula, Phyllanthus Emblica, Acacia Catechu, Aegle Marmelos, Ferrania Elephantecum, Ficus Religiosa etc.

43

Shrubs and Climbers - These are present in almost all parts of the district

e.g. Lautana Gamera, Agave Vivipora, Grewia Villosa, Carissa Carandus,

Vivex Negundo, Rohorbia Nerifolia, Anona Squamosa etc.

3) Grass – A variety of grasses is present in the district. These are widely

spread over the fallow lands as well as the plateau region and even the

hill slopes. e.g. – Andropogon Tricticeus, Andropogon Contortus,

Andropogon Pumilis, Ischoemum Laxum, Eragrostis Tremula. etc.

3.7 Fauna –

Though the region has very low percentage of forest cover, varieties

of reptiles, herbivores, carnivores and omnivores are present in the district.

There are number of migratory birds also which are winter visitors of the

reservoirs in the district.

Indian gazelles, chinkara, blackbucks, wild pigs are present in all

parts of the district. Their population is naturally controlled by jackals,

hyena and wild cats. Panthers are rarely seen.

Among the migratory birds, pivoted stork, spoon bill, open bill,

flamingo, black ibis, wagtails are seen near the reservoirs of water and

lakes, especially in winter. The permanent dwellers are peafowl, quails,

green pigeons, drongo, grey and painted partridges, green bee-eaters,

parakeets, swifts, rock pigeon, lap wing, pond herons, egrets, king fisher's,

robins and jungle myna.

‘The Great Indian Bustard’ is an important dweller of the grassland

forests, which is an endangered species in India. There is a reserved forest

for this bird, comprising the forest land of Mohol, North Solapur and

Barshi Tahasils. This bird; a dweller of the grasslands, is a matter of pride

for the district.

44

3.8 Agriculture –

Solapur district has 65.60 percent net sown area with 25.16 percent

fallow land out of its total geographical area. The highest net sown area is

in Pandharpur, Mangalwedha & Madha tahasils. Sangola and Barshi

tahasils have low area under cultivation. The hilly regions and the reserve

forests in Barshi tahasil are the main reasons of lower percentage of net

sown area. (Table 3.4)

Table 3.4

Land use Pattern in Solapur District (2000-01)

Tahasil Net sown area (in percent)

Fallow land (in percent)

N. Solapur 59.80 29.77

Barshi 55.02 28.96

Akkalkot 69.73 26.27

S. Solapur 69.47 23.92

Mohol 69.35 16.73

Mangalwedha 73.59 18.77

Pandharpur 74.31 15.48

Sangola 51.51 23.47

Malshiras 60.12 20.55

Karmala 67.69 20.04

Madha 70.33 19.86

Total 65.60 22.16

Source : Socio-economic review of Solapur district (2001-02)

Irrigation –

Cultivation in the district depends upon irrigation facilities due to

uncertain rainfall and scarcity of water 8. Out of the total cultivated area of

the district, only 25.8 percent area in irrigated by means of wells, canals

and lift irrigation. Well irrigation contributes nearly 75.9 percent of total

45

irrigated area. There are 7464 number of oil pumps and 52360 electric

pumps used for irrigation. Highest number of pumps is used in Pandharpur

and Malshiras tahasils. Karmala and Mangalwedha tahasil, have lowest

number of pumps. These two tahasils have canal irrigation on a large scale.

The presence of large numbers of electric pumps indicates that

electrification has been enjoyed by villages even in the interior parts of the

district. The supply of electricity is mostly by overhead wires. Many times

these wires are broken or touch each other to generate fire by strong winds.

This can be one of the reasons of loss of standing craps due to short

circuits.

Table 3.5

Area under different crops in the district (2000-2001)

Crops Area in percent

Rice 0.7

Wheat 10.4

Jowar 22.6

Bajru 2.3

Pulses 8.6

Sugarcane 28.1

groundnuts 6.8

other food crops 11.7

oil seeds 0.1

cotton 1.6

other non food craps 6.7

Total 99.9

46

Crops –

A variety of crops are cultivated in the district which include food

crops as well as cash crops. Jowar, Bajra, Wheat and Rice are the main

food crops. Maize is also cultivated to some extent as a supplementary

fodder crop. Pulses and oilseeds are the other important food crops.

Sugarcane, Grapes, Other Fruits, Vegetables and Flowers are also

cultivated as cash crops. These cash crops are mostly cultivated in the

irrigated areas of the district. (Table 3.5)

There are separate Market Committees for each tahasil except South

Solapur tahasil, where two subcommittees are present. These are the

collection centers of agricultural products as well as major trade centers.

There is a continuous vehicular traffic and the products are stored in a

large scale in store houses at these centers and sub centers. These market

centers are connected by roads for easy transport. The main centers and

even the subs enters are at villages which do not have any special

protection if a fire incidence takes place. Presently fire services are

available only at Solapur, Barshi and Pandharpur, the major urban centers.

Recently Karmala, Sangola and Mangalwedha have established new fire

stations in June 2011. Rest of the 5 tahasils totally depends on private

47

services if are available or on the above said major urban centers in case of

any hazard.

3.9 Transportation –

The economic growth of a region is dependent on the transport

facilities. Solapur district has railway and road transport services, which

are well developed. The air transport will be made available in a short

time. Though, Solapur city has an airport, it is occasionally used. Daily air

transport will be made available with the development of a new airport

near the city. (fig. 3.6)

The district has a total railway line of 452.60 kilometers running in

north, south, east and west directions from Solapur city. The broad gauge

lines are being developed for two way transport. The old 126.90 kilometer

narrow gauge line has been converted in to broad gauge recently 9.

There are three National and seven state highways present in the

district. (Table 3.6)

Table 3.6

Road Transport In Solapur District (2000-01)

Type of Road Length in Km Length in percent

National Highway 188 1.33

Major State Highway 173 2.35

State Highway 1332 9.44

Major District roads 3039 21.54

District roads 2138 15.14

Village roads 7238 51.29

Total 14108 100.00

48

Fig. 3.6: Transport & Communication

However, considering the total number of villages in each tahasil, it

is important to understand the condition of roads and their availability in

each tahasil. Only 40.21 percent villages of the district have metalled or

Tar Roads, for easy transport. There are variations in the availability of the

roads in the tahasil. North Solapur tahasil has 73.58 percent villages

enjoying the metalled or tar roads, while in Mangalwedha tahasil only

18.52 percent villages are connected by tar roads. Thus, 91 percent

population of North Solapur tahasil and only 24.3 percent population of the

Mangalwedha tahasil is served by these roads. (Table 3.7)

The above table clearly indicates that North Solapur and Pandharpur

tahasils are the most accessible areas in the district. The location of district

head quarters Solapur city in the North Solapur tahasil and Pandharpur

being a major ‘pilgrim center’ in the tahasil enjoy the development of

roads on a large scale.

The State Highway and National Highways passing through Barshi

49

and South Solapur district are also responsible for the development of

transport facilities in the tahasil. Sangola, Malshiras and Mangalwedha

tahasils have least development of roads due to the physiography. Sangola

and Malshiras tahasils record minimum annual average rainfall. Due to the

climate and physiography, one can see the more scattered nature of

settlements in these tahasils.

Table 3.7

Percentage of population and villages with tar roads (2000-01)

Tahasil Villages (%) Population (%)

N. Solapur 73.58 90.79

Barshi 58.52 69.41

Akkalkot 37.04 54.99

S. Solapur 44.94 60.99

Mohol 32.35 53.99



Sangola 26.73 36.28

Malshiras 22.73 40.68

Karmala 42.37 54.78

Madha 27.59 43.89

Total 41.32 55.46

Communication–

Presently various types of communications are available in India,

Maharashtra and in Solapur district also. Apart from news papers, radio,

television, mobiles and internet, post and telephone facilities are most

important. As an average for the district 45.77 percent villages enjoy the

post office facilities. Highest numbers of facilities are in N. Solapur tahasil

50

(67.92 percent) while Akkalkot tahasil has only 35.56 percent villages have

the facility of post office.

Transport and communication facilities play an important role in the

management of any hazard. If the incidences are informed at a shortest

time, any help can be provided easily for further eradication of the

problem. If the villages are away, no communication and transport

facilities are there, one cannot control the hazard, everything will be lost in

front of the eyes. Though mobile and internet are the new communication

systems available, the problem of range of coverage is important not only

in villages but in small towns also. The rural areas, especially the farms are

rarely under the coverage of the mobile towers. Apart from the highways,

the coverage of mobile towers is poor. Many of the towns get electricity

for 16 to 18 hours, while the villages get electricity supply only during the

evening and night. 10 to 12 hours load shading is a common experience in

the villages. This is being experienced for last ten years. Therefore,

charging of the mobiles is another problem for lack of communication.

3.10 Settlements -

Settlements are the places of human dwelling. There are 1150

settlements spread over the area of 14895 sq. km. in the district as per the

census 2001. Out of these, only 10 settlements are categorized as urban

centers by the census of India. Along with the district place and seven

tahasil places, only two centers are categorized as urban which are neither

district nor tahasil places. Solapur city is the district place as well as

headquarter of north and south Solapur tahasils. Akkalkot tahasil has 3

urban centers namely Akkalkot, Maindargi and Dudhani. However,

Mohol, Malshiras, South Solapur tahasils do not have any urban center.

(fig. 3.8)

51

Density pattern of the settlements –

In the last 4 decades, as the population number is increasing the

density of settlement is also increased. The records of the Solapur district

gazetteer (1971) represent only 6.32 settlements per 100 km2 which has

been increased to 7.67 in 2001. There is a development of new hamlets,

wasaties, wadies and villages. The rate of change is high in Malshiras and

Sangola tahasils due to development in irrigation facilities after

completion of the Ujani Dam. The right bank canal of the dam drains

these two districts. The highest number of settlements (wasaties) with

population less than 100 is present in Karmala, Akkalkot and Barshi

tahasils. These tahasils have sizable rural population in small

settlements10.

Nearest Neighbour Technique has been used to measure the

distribution pattern of settlements (e. g. cluster, regular or random pattern)

for the district. To calculate the density, total area, number of settlements,

distance between the two settlements is considered. (fig.3.9)

D Rn = ------------------ 0.5 a/4

Rn = Nearest Neighbour value

D = Mean observed distance

a = total area of the region

n = total number of settlements

The above formula generally produces a result from 0.00 to 2.15.

0.0 = Cluster of settlements

1.00 = random

2.15 = regular pattern.

55

Table 3.8

Density of Settlements and Rn Index of Solapur District

Tahasil Rn Index Density / 100 Km2

Karmala 1.78 7.39

Barshi 1.08 8.97

Madha 1.35 7.66

Malshiras 1.21 7.28


Mohol 1.21 7.9

N. Solapur 1.57 6.15

S. Solapur 1.48 7.62

Sangola 1.27 6.40


Akkalkot 1.07 9.25

District Mean 1.35 7.67

The Rn index values are very close to one, except Karmala and

North Solapur tahasils. It suggests that Karmala tahasil exhibits slightly

uniform pattern of distribution. North Solapur tahasil is influenced by the

district place Solapur as well as transport and communication lines. In

case of Akkalkot and Barshi tahasils the Rn Index nearly one. The terrain

and availability of water play an important role for the development of the

settlements in these tahasils.

In general, all the settlements have selected a site near a water point

due to scarcity of water. Thus, the random pattern of nearest neighbour

can be explained by the site selection of the settlements. The availability

of transport facilities and nature of terrain are the other two factors which

affect the site of a settlement. (fig. 3.9)

56

Due to such random distribution, it becomes difficult to develop the

communication lines which are a backbone of management of any hazard

may be natural or anthropogenic.

Classification of Settlements

The settlements are classified by various ways. The availability of

amenities, number of population (Population size) are the two major

considerations of classification.

Urban centers – As stated earlier Solapur district has only 10 urban

centers scattered over the district. Solapur city is the major urban centre

and the district place.

Table – 3.9 Urban Centers

Tahasil Urban Centre Barshi Barshi

Karmala Karmala

Madha Kurduwadi

Pandharpur Pandharpur

Mangalwedha Mangalwedha

Sangola Sangola

Akkalkot Akkalkot

Akkalkot Dudhani

Akkalkot Maindargi

N. Solapur Solapur

S. Solapur Nil

Mohol Nil

Malshiras Nil

Among these urban centers, only Solapur, Barshi and Pandharpur

are the cities which have their own fire brigades run by the local governing bodies. Recently in June 2011, under the special drive by the

57

State Government, Mangalwedha, Sangola and Karmala have established their own fire service centers. Akkalkot, Dudhani, Kurduwadi and Maindargi do not have any facility of fire control. The rural areas are mostly dependent on the urban areas for any fire service, except a few where the sugar factories are having their own fire bridges. However, according to Chief Fire Advisor of India, the services provided by urban centres to rural centres are not admissible. Rural Areas –

The rural areas are classified on the basic of their population size in

to 5 groups. (Table – 3.10)

Table – 3.10

Classification of Rural Settlements as per the Population Size (2001)

Name of Tahasil

59

headquarters in case of emergencies for these small settlements. Akkalkot and Barshi tahasils have highest number of such settlements due to terrain and only one fire service station is present at Barshi. Thus, in case of emergencies, these settlements do not have easy communication facility to nearby larger settlements. Barshi and Akkalkot tahsils have to depend on Solapur city or neighbouring Osmanabad district. 3.11 Industries – Solapur district has a history of large industrial units even before independence of India. Textile units were present in the district before the period of British empire as stated in gazetteer of the district (1971). The district has better development of industries compared to Beed and Osmanabad districts, the neighbouring districts of Solapur. Solapur district does not have mineral resources, or forest resources. However, textile units and agro based industries have been developed in the district. In 1962, Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation was established in the State. There are eight ‘MIDC’ areas at Solapur, Tembhurni, Kurduwadi, Karmala, Akluj, Mangalwedha, Pandharpur and Barshi. In addition, there are nine cooperative industrial estates at Solapur, Barshi, Akluj, Mangalwedha, Karmala, Mohol and Akkalkot. Apart from these units, there are 20 sugar factories, 410 oil mills and processing units as agro based industries. Live stock farming has been developed as supplementary to agriculture. (Table -3.11 ) As stated in the table, the types of industries and available fire services in the industries help in understanding the problem of fire hazard management in the district. The number of oil mills, textile units, and chemical units is increasing in the district. Pandharpur, Malshiras, Barshi, Karmala and Sangola tahasils show rapid growth in the number of these industrial units. The highest rate of growth is in North Solapur tahasil due to its proximity to Solapur City. Electronic and engineering units are increasing in all tahasils 12.

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Table –3.11

Various Industrial Units In Solapur District.

Sr. No.

Type of Industry Number of units

Available fire Service

1 Sugar factories 08 own fire brigades

2 Sugar factories 11 internal units

3 Sugar factories 02 under Construction

4 LPG gas filling plant 01 3 engines, but do not

provide service out of

their premises.

5 Major engineering units 06 internal units

6 Small engineering units 357 NIL

7 Edible refined oil mills 03 internal units

8 Edible oil mills 410 internal

9 Textile units 3668 NIL

10 Daal Mills 420 NIL

11 Milk chilling Plants 07 internal

12 Milk collection centers 1916 NIL

13 Food processing units 837 internal

14 Small scale industries 9084 NIL

15 Forest based industries 277 NIL

16 Spinning Mills 05 internal

17 Chemical units 307 internal

18 Leather units 162 NIL

19 Ele. & electronic units 903 NIlL

20 Major textile units 04 internal

(Source : S. N. Mulani, unpublished Ph.D. thesis 2010)

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The growing numbers of industries without proper fire protection

systems are prone to fire hazards. There are violations of safety norms for

the industrial workers, storage of raw material, as well as processed

products also. Pandharpur, Sangola, Madha, Akkalkot and Karmala

tahasils have more than 5 types of industries including sugar factories

around the urban settlement.

The fire services are available at only six cities. Madha, Karmala,

Sangola, Mangalwedha and Malshiras tahasils are dependent on the fire

services (private) available with the sugar factories. Recently, in June

2011, Karmala, Sangola and Mangalwedha Municipal Councils have

established their own fire brigade with one fire engine each. Akkalkot

industrial units do not have any fire prevention facility. Akkalkot tahasil

has three urban centers namely, Akkalkot, Maindargi and Dudhani.

However none of them have any fire station. South Solapur and Mohol

tahasils do not have any urban settlement. A sugar factory in Mohol

tahasil has its own fire brigade. Entire tahasil is dependent on this private

fire station. Kurduwadi, a railway junction and urban centre does not have

any fire station. South Solapur and North Solapur tahasils are totally

dependent on Solapur city for fire Services.

Pandharpur, Barshi Municipal Council has only one fire service

station with one fire engine; which can provide the facility when required.

Solapur city, has population 9,51,118 as per the census 2011;spread over

179 km2 area 13. It has large number of variety of industries and industrial

units. The Municipal Corporation has total 5 stations and the sixth station

is likely to be developed near the MIDC area at Chincholi, to the

northwest of the city limit in near future. Considering the number of

industries and population size, these units are not sufficient.

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3.12 Population–

Population number is important for any planning including hazard

management.

Solapur district has a population of 43,15,527 as per census 2011.

However, the details of population in each tahasil are not available yet.

The following table shows the population of the district in each tahasil as

per census 2001.

Table- 3.12

Distribution of Population and density of population Solapur District

(2001)

Tahasil Population Density per 100 km2

Barshi 340831 230

Karmala 233316 140

Akkalkot 290037 290

Madha 292611 169

N. Solapur 960803 1278

S. Solapur 210774 176

Mohol 252526 179

Mangalwedha 171261 150

Pandharpur 402712 309

Sangola 272077 175

Malshiras 422600 278

Total 3849543 258

As per the census 2001, the birth and death rates of the district as a

whole are decreasing.

Density a Population –

During the year 2011, the average density of population for the

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district 290, this was 217 in 1991 and 258 in 2001. There is a constant

increasing trend in the density of population. The growth is natural as well

as due to migration of people from nearby region. The highest density is in

North Solapur tahasil indicating the influence of Solapur city. Lowest

density is in Karmala tahasil.

The urban centers of the district shown population density above

300 persons per sq. km. Solapur city has the density of 531.35per sq. km.

Literacy –

Literacy is considered as an index of the socio economic

development of the region. The level of literacy influences the fertility,

mortality and economic composition of the society. It helps in planning of

resources, management of resources also. As per the census records, the

average literacy was 33.9 percent during 1970-71 in the district. It was

45.32%, highest in North Solapur and minimum, 24.63% in Mangalwedha

tahasil. As per the record of census 2001, the highest literacy 76.09

percent is in North Solapur tahasil. The minimum 66.28% literacy is

recorded in Sangola Tahasil. The influence of Solapur city represents

constant high rate of literacy in the tahasil.

The increase in Literacy is very much useful to increase awareness

about various social, economic and health problems in the society. The

increasing facilities of communication help us to develop the necessary

awareness in every field including disaster management.

3.13 Migration – Solapur City and pandharpur are famous pilgrim centres

the month of January yatra is held at Solapur where narly one lakh people

gather together. In the same way[ Pandharpur experiences atleast 4 yatras

in a year with number piligrim above on lakh. In July, Pandharpur has

nearly 4 lakh pilgrims gathered.

From various pants of India. The city population is almost doubled

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for 2/3 days.

In a case of such yatra perials there is a necessity of fire brigade to

trade any situation to protect the life and property.

3.14 Market Centers –

In Solapur district out of the eleven tahasils, three tahasils namely

Malshiras, Mohol and South Solapur do not have any urban center which

indicates that large number of people in these tahasils are engaged in

primary sector activities, mainly agriculture. The average percentage of

people engaged in primary sector is 62.9 percent, which is much higher in

the above said tahasils. North Solapur tahasil has only 15.76 percent

people engaged in the primary sector; which is explained by the presence

of the district headquarters. North Solapur tahasil also reflects higher

percentage of people engaged in secondary and tertiary sectors. Solapur

district as a whole has a higher percentage of population in the rural areas

as stated earlier.

A market centre is a necessity for the purchase of food grains and

other commodities which are needed in day to day life. Out of the eleven

tahasils, except South Solapur, all tahasils have at least one market yard.

Along with these, there are total 38 sub market yards where the farmers

directly sell their agricultural products. However, these market yards do

not have any special arrangement of protection in case of a fire hazard. In

2008 Solapur City Market Yard Cold Store had caught fire where the loss

of material was about 50 lakhs.

3.15 Weekly Markets –

Along with the market yards, there are weekly markets in the rural

areas of each tahasil. These markets are important for the consumers as

well as distributors for the day to day requirements. The people from

nearly villages, hamlets, come here to sell their products and purchase of

required goods. The table No.3.13 represents the number of weekly

66

markets in each tahasil.

Table – 3.13

Number of Weekly Markets in Solapur District

Sr. No. Tahasil No. of Weekly markets

1 N. Solapur 06

2 Barshi 16

3 Akkalkot 15

4 S. Solapur 09

5 Mohol 09

6 Mangalwedha 38

7 Pandharpur 13

8 Sangola 19

9 Malshiras 14

10 Karmala 10

11 Madha 23

Total Solapur District 172

The population of Mangalwedha and Sangola is served highest by

these markets. The distance from the tahasil headquarters, transport

facilities, scattered pattern of the settlements and terrain are the important

factors influencing the higher number of weekly markets in these tahasils.

While in North Solapur tahasil, only 15.6 percent of population is served

by weekly market. Presence of the district headquarters is the most

important reason for the least number of weekly markets in this tahasil.

3.16 Summary -

To summaries the background of the Solapur district, following are

the facts to be remembered while considering the problem of fire hazards

within the district:

67

1) The study region is a part of Deccan plateau. It has basalt as a parent

rock which provides limited percolation of water due to few joints.

2) The ‘rain shadow area’ as stated in climatology of India is reflected by

the present study area which has low annual average rainfall. The

variability of the rainfall is also very high. Thus, scarcity of water is

always experienced. Various committees of Central Government and

State Governments have visited the district and agreed for the scarcity

of water in the district.

3) The major river Bhima and its tributaries Sina and Nira are partly

perennial while the other tributaries of Bhima are non perennial due to

low rainfall in the region.

4) The breaks of monsoonal rainfall and speedy winds are experienced

every year. The summer and winters record very low humidity and

speedy winds. Both of these factors are helpful for spreading of fire.

5) The natural vegetation comprises thorny bushes and varieties of

grasses. The grass becomes dry immediately after monsoon. It may

catch fire at any time. The grazing animals are responsible for slow

growth rate of the grass and also for the removal of the plant cover.

6) Nearly 65 percent of the total area of the district is under cultivation.

Due to the scarcity of water, hardly 25 percent of the cultivable area is

irrigated. It reflects that nearly 75 percent of the total cultivable area is

rain fed or Jirayat (Dry) farming is practiced during the Kharif and

Rabbi Cropping seasons.

7) Nearly 30 percent of the irrigated area is under sugar cane and cotton.

The rest of the area is dominated by food crops.

8) Out of the total transport facilities, road transport is highest developed

followed by railways. Air transport is in development stage.

9) Nearly 51 percent of roads are village roads and 21percent are the

district roads. This shows that the condition of transport facilities is

68

poor.

10) There are variations in the availability of pukka or Tar roads in the

tahasils. Nearly 73 percent villages in North Solapur tahasil are

connected by tar roads; while in Madha tahasil only 22 percent villages

have tar roads.

11) The lowest number of post offices in Mangalwedha and Akkalkot

tahasils indicates lack of communication network. The range of mobile

towers and interrupted supply of electricity are the main problems in

other tahasils where post and telegraph offices are present.

12) The district as a whole represent random pattern of settlement

development. Most of the settlements are water point settlements due

to scarcity of water. They are located away from each other also.

13) There are 10 urban centers in the district as stated earlier. Out of these

urban centers, except Solapur city, the other centers have population

less than 5 lakhs.

14) The increase in the literacy of population is very important. It may help

to develop awareness and primary training to the people.

15) The broad gauge railway lines and the National highways no. 9, 13,

211 are running across the district. Along with these, there are state

highways also where heavy traffic is present daily. Nearly 52 trains

pass through Solapur station per day. Thus, there are chances of

accidents at the roads as well as railway lines.

16) The district has a dominating number of agro based industries.

Presently the engineering units and chemical units are also increasing.

A power generation project of NTPC is under developing stage near

Solapur city. This project is going to attract number of industries in

future. All the present industries use different types of raw material and

finished products. Special care in handling of raw materials & finished

products is necessary to prevent any hazard. A cement factory has been

69

developed recently near the city.

17) The market yards and sub market yards are scattered in various parts of

the district. These are located near the tahasil headquarters and large

villages. Heavy traffic is present at these centers and lot of

inflammable material like oil, kerosene a part from this; the helpers are

untrained workers is handled. However, there are no preventive

measures available. The tahsil headquarters are not well equipped to

handle such situation.

18) In case of weekly market centers, the traders and consumers gather for

few hours only. There are temporary shades or shelters made available

at the markets. No preventive measures are available at these sights. At

some places drinking water is also a problem.

19) At the time of ‘yatra’ in the district at Solapur & pandharpur in

January, February, April, July and November, attest one the 5 lakh

pilgrims gather together. Special arrangements are necessary for this

period.

*********

Reference:-

1) Gazetteer of Solapur Dist (1971) Maharashtra Government

Publication.

2) Mahashtra in Maps (1984) Dr. K.R. Dixit Maharashtra Government

Publication.


Publication.


Publication.


Publication.


70

Publication.

7) Regional planning for socio-economic development in Solapur

district Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis of S.M. Mulani to Solapur

University, Solapur (2010).

8) Bio-geographical Study of Solapur District Unpublished Ph.D.

Thesis of N.B. Teli to Solapur University, Solapur (2010).

9) Disparities in The Levels Of Economic Development In Solapur

District, A Geographical Analysis Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis of I.S.

Patel to Shivaji University, Kolhapur (2011).

71

CHAPTER IV

Sample Survey And Case Studies

4.1 Introduction

Fire hazards are experienced in all parts of the world. There is not a

single place which is hundred percent protected from fire. However, the

precautions can minimize the loss of life and material.

Government of India has given guidelines to the State Governments,

to provide necessary facilities for protecting a common man, his property

and all of the natural resources. It is a duty of the State Government to

provide the necessary facilities of protection to the civilians. It has been

noted that the Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils and Municipal

Committees present in the cities and towns as local governing bodies

should provide these facilities within their administrative limits. However,

the rural areas with hamlets and villages, small towns, temporary

settlements do not have any facility of fire protection. The local governing

bodies like Gram Panchayat have limited income to provide such

facilities.

An attempt has been made in this project to find out the severity of

the problem of fire hazards and its remedies. Various data has been

collected and further analyzed to get the results.

4.2 Methodology -

The entire work of analysis of the problem is based on collection of

the necessary data. The data has been collected from 1) Primary Sources

2) Secondary Sources.

1) Primary Sources – The primary data has been collected by 1) personal interviews and

discussions 2) record of fire incidences in the district.

1) Personal interviews and discussions include collection of first hand

72

information from the villagers, citizens and institutions etc. about the

available fire services, number of incidences of fire and the loss of

material and life. The suggestions of people during the field visits were

also noted down.

2) The records of fire incidences in the district have been considered for

the present study. These records include the fire incidences from June

2010 to August 2011 as per the ‘Police Diary’. These recorded

incidences are regularly published in the local Daily News Papers.

There may be some more incidences which have not been informed to

the nearest police station.

2) Secondary data – 1) The secondary data has been collected from various sources 1)

Solapur District Gazetteer, (1971), 2)Socio Economic Review of Solapur

District (2001, 2005, 2007), 3) Solapur District Census (2001). These are

the main sources of authentic information which are publications of the

Government of Maharashtra, Mumbai.

2) The unpublished Ph.D. thesis of Dr. N. B. Teli, Dr. S. M. Mulani,

Dr. I. S Patel, Dr. R. J. Moharkar, were referred to get information about

the district. The unpublished M. Phil dissertations of Shri. S. A. Nimbargi,

Shri. S. M. Shaikh have been referred for secondary data.

3) Daily news papers provided information about the changing rules

and regulations of disaster manag

problems of fire hazards and their management in solapur...

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