Lalitpur brings modern firefighting crane to boost disaster response

KATHMANDU: Lalitpur Metropolitan City (LMC) has expanded its disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) capacity with the introduction of a state-of-the-art firefighting crane aimed at improving its emergency response system.

Mayor Chiri Babu Maharjan said the new equipment, purchased at a cost of Rs 6.265 million, is expected to significantly enhance the city’s fire control capabilities.

He claimed that among Nepal’s 753 local governments, Lalitpur remains a leading municipality in disaster management preparedness.

According to the mayor, recent firefighting operations in a seven-storey building highlighted the need for faster and more efficient high-rise fire response.

In that incident, firefighters had to manually carry hoses via staircases, causing delays and operational difficulty. The newly introduced crane is expected to address such challenges by enabling rapid response in tall structures.

The metropolitan city has also been extending its emergency services beyond its jurisdiction. Officials stated that Lalitpur fire engines have already responded to more than 79 fire incidents in various locations of nearby Kathmandu and surrounding areas.

In addition, following damage to an older fire engine during the recent Gen-Z protests, the city has initiated the procurement process for two additional modern fire trucks.

The tender process has been completed and technical evaluation is currently underway, with the new units expected to arrive soon.

To operate the newly acquired crane safely and effectively, the municipality has arranged specialized training for three skilled heavy-vehicle drivers in coordination with the supplying company.

Officials said LMC continues to prioritize disaster preparedness by strengthening resources, upgrading equipment, and improving emergency response capacity across the region.