With Rs 581 crore sanctioned for it in the annual budget, Rs 100 crore more than last year, the Mumbai fire brigade can expect some reforms this year. At a time when firemen are being pivotal in controlling the blaze at the Deonar dumping ground, the BMC has made provisions for 16 new fire engines, a fire command centre at Mankhurd, personal protective equipment worth Rs 46.75 crore and more. But some officials want the civic body to also invest in recruitment and technology.

The civic body presented a mammoth budget of Rs 37,500 crore on Wednesday, a 10% hike from last year. The thrust was on healthcare, services to the urban poor, roads and solid waste management. Municipal Commissioner Ajoy Mehta in his budget speech also quoted the welfare of civic employees as a priority and a hefty sum has been kept aside for salaries and benefits to civic officials.