LUCKNOW, Aug. 3 -- The Uttar Pradesh government has sanctioned Rs.25.79 crore for the procurement of 49 new fire-fighting vehicles, with the primary goal of replacing ageing and obsolete fire tenders.

The decision assumes significance in the wake of the recent Aliganj building fire in Lucknow, which claimed 15 lives and highlighted the critical importance of a well-equipped and modern fire service.

According to a government order issued by the home department on Friday, the state has approved the replacement of 39 obsolete 2,500-litre water tenders, besides procuring five additional water tenders of the same capacity and five specialised foam tenders with a capacity of 5,000 litres of water and 500 litres of foam compound.

The total ad...