Lucknow, Jul 4 (IANS): In the aftermath of the terrible fire that swept through the Mantralaya in Mumbai, the Uttar Pradesh government has ordered the digitization of all important official records.

Informed sources told IANS that Chief Secretary Javed Usmani has held discussions regarding the preparedness of state agencies including the fire department in case of a Mumbai-like blaze.

Orders have been issued to the IT department to frame a policy so that all important documents and records of the state are preserved and stored in forms which can't be destroyed by accidents and natural calamities.

The government has ordered an upgrade of the fire equipment installed at vital buildings and formed a panel of senior officials to ensure prompt digitization of all official records and documents.

The IT department has been asked to undertake the digitization drive at the earliest.

Instructions have been given to do away with all old furniture lying dumped in many offices.

Senior foremen have been asked to inspect all buildings housing government offices to know the preparedness or the lack of it in the case of fire.

All pipelines lying defunct have to be replaced within one month and proper space for fire brigade vehicles is being chalked out in government buildings.