The Maharashta government handed over five rescue boats to the Mumbai Fire Brigade on Friday. Several fire brigade personnel have been specially trained to use the boats and taught water rescue techniques. The boats will used in case of flooding in the city. During last year's July 26 deluge, the fire brigade was hampered by lack of boats as their fire trucks could not reach flooded areas. 

The fire brigade has also been provided with ultra modern fire fighting vehicles. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation will also establish six self-sufficient regional command centres to improve the fire brigade's response time.

Photograph: Arun Patil