Thiruvananthapuram: Many of the fire engines which were used to sanitize various places during the COVID-19 times are now in a totally damaged condition. As the vehicles were used to pump the chemical solution instead of water, they became useless.

The Fire Force chief requested the Disaster Management Authority to grant Rs 2 crore for maintenance works. Meanwhile, the local bodies are in a dilemma after it was decided not to use fire engines for sanitizing.

When sodium hypochlorite solution was diluted in a particular proportion and sprayed using the engine as part of sanitizing, the pressure relief system and nozzle of the vehicle was damaged. Many vehicles turned completely useless.

65 fire engines damaged; 25 useless

Among the fire engines used for sanitizing works, 65 were damaged due to rusting and other reasons. Though some of them were repaired, 25 of them were completely damaged.

The nozzles, pressure relief valves and other rubber parts of the engine had warranty, but the companies informed that the warranty benefit cannot be provided as they were damaged after using chemical solution instead of water.

Sodium hypochlorite causes trouble

As part of COVID resistance activities, 6 percent sodium hypochlorite was diluted in water and used for sanitizing. This continued or many days. The fire engines were not used for any other purposes during these days, the engine parts were rusted and damaged.

Fire Force withdraws

When the fire engines were damaged and lockdown was relaxed, the Fire Force withdrew from sanitizing works. With this, the local bodies are entitled to sanitize the COVID quarantine centres and other places. Employees are not available for sanitizing works at many places.