Fire safety norms go for a toss

Srikakulam: In the wake of major fire that broke out in Mumbai, discussions are being held over fire safety in Srikakulam district also.

Fore safety norms went for a toss in hospitals, hotels, timber depots, petrol bunks, private schools, colleges, factories and other commercial establishments. Commercial establishments across the district would be flooded with people for New Year and Sankranti shopping. Hence, commercial establishment should take precautionary measures to avoid any untoward incident.

Managements of various establishments are indifferent over fire safety norms and fire department officials are confined to inspection of premises and failed to exert pressure on them due to political and other influences at the cost of safety of people.
Out of 174 small scale industries not even a single company has No Objection Certificate (NOC) due to irregular observation of fire safety rules. Only 14 medium and large-scale industries obtained NOC out of 67.

Owners of hotels have no respect for fire safety norms as no one has NOC out of 73 in the district. Owners of timber depots and saw mills are following hoteliers as out of 77 depots no one applied for NOC.

Owners of petrol bunks also violating safety conditions as they neglected procedure for getting occupancy certificate after execution of business out of 90 bunks not even a single owner came forward to get it. Function hall managements also violating rules as only three managements got NOC out of 81.

“We inspected many institutions and establishments and issued notices to those who violated norms and conducting awareness drive, district fire officer Ch Krupavaram told The Hans India.