GHMC sees red over outlets sans fire safety in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is coming hard on city’s pubs, bars and hotels for not adhering to safety norms. After conducting raids on eight establishments on Wednesday, the GHMC is now planning to send out 150 notices to those who have not fallen in line. It may be noted that in the month of August 2018, the GHMC issued notices to 750 establishments, out of which 600 set up safety equipment. 

Speaking to The Hans India, Viswajit Kampati, Director, Directorate of Enforcement, Vigilance & Disaster Management (EV&DM), said, “A third notice is being issued to the managements who did not apply for fire safety inspection and they need to respond within three days, failing which a fourth notice would be sent and this time once we seize an establishment the trade licence would be seized.” GHMC officials say that the ongoing special drive for the last few months is paying dividends. In certain cases where the managements have been adamant, the establishments were seized. For instance, Sri Durga Restaurant and Bar located at Plot No. 78 at Indira Nagar in Sri Nagar Colony was found to be running without fire and life systems. It was seized by the officials.

A majority of the pubs and restaurants are unaware of the mandatory safety equipment. A fire extinguisher, hose reel and fire alarm are a must. GHMC officials say that for a 1,000 s.ft establishment, Rs 30,000 would be the cost to set up fire safety equipment. Establishments witnessing over 500 footfalls per day need to install 2,280 LMP diesel pump and one 180 LMP capacity electric jockey pump. 

Those having footfalls above 300 and below 500 are instructed to set up 900 LPM capacity fire pumps.  In the Secunderabad Cantonment, too, there are several restaurants that do not adhere to safety standards but they do not come under GHMC limits. Y K Yudesh, a resident of Kharkhana, asks, “It is good to know that GHMC is taking action but the Secunderabad Cantonment Board (SCB) isn’t.” GHMC officials say that many pubs and restaurants do not even have a fire extinguisher. There are certain items that are mandatory irrespective.