The Kozhikode Corporation has decided to provide a temporary building for the Kozhikode Beach Fire and Rescue Station, which was shifted to Meenchanda earlier this month, in a bid to ensure quicker emergency response in the city.
Addressing the media on Friday (July 31, 2026), Mayor O. Sadasivan said the civic body would allot space in a newly constructed building near the old Corporation office, which currently houses the Azhaku office and the Transport wing. The proposal will be placed before the next meeting of the Corporation council for approval, he added.
The Corporation’s intervention comes amid concerns that relocating the beach fire station to Meenchanda would delay the response to fire emergencies in key commercial areas such as S.M. Street, Valiyangadi, and Palayam, where the risk of fire accidents is relatively high. Following the closure of the beach fire station, fire tenders have to come from Meenchanda or Vellimadukunnu.
The Mayor said files and other materials from the departments currently functioning in the proposed building would be shifted to make way for the Fire and Rescue Services. The building will also be equipped with facilities to store firefighting equipment and accommodate personnel.
The Corporation also plans to improve access to the premises so that large fire engines can enter the compound. According to Mr. Sadasivan, the required infrastructure works are expected to be completed by August 20, 2026, allowing the Fire and Rescue Services to begin functioning from the temporary facility.
Proactive steps
He said that although the Fire and Rescue Services function under the Home department, the Corporation had taken proactive steps to address the issue and expected a similar level of commitment from the department.
The Mayor also criticised the State government, alleging that the allocation to local bodies had been reduced by more than ₹100 crore compared with the previous government’s tenure. He said the reduction had adversely affected the implementation of road works, LIFE housing scheme, and the provision of food for children at anganwadis.
On the proposed relocation of traders from the Palayam market, the Mayor said a majority of traders were supportive of the move.
Published – July 31, 2026 08:04 pm IST
