Blaze in Gurugram paint factory claims two workers

Gurugram: After multiple incidents of fire mishaps were reported in factories in the national Capital, a paint godown at Sohna, in the outskirts of Gurugram, caught fire on Thursday afternoon and claimed two workers.

According to sources, the fire may have been caused due to short citrcuit. It took a while for the firemen to douse the blaze, as the factory is located in a densely populated area of the city.

Officials of the fire department said the fire erupted Thursday afternoon, when there were dozen of workers in the godown.

Initially, was only one fire tender reached the factory to douse the fire. However, after realising the gravity of the situation, more tenders were subsequently sent. It took over two hours to bring the situation under control.

Reports claimed that in addition to some factory workers, many fire department officials also sustained injuries.

No lessons have seemingly been learnt by Gurugram authorities since the deadly infernos reported in Mumbai's Kamala Mills and a factory in Delhi's Bawana.

According to official data, over 200 high rises, i.e. buildings taller than 15 m, in Gurugram do not have no objection certificates from the fire department. It is estimated that around 7,000 people occupy these buildings at any point of time.

Builders usually have to renew their fire safety license every year. However, fire department officials state that most builders do not renew their license for more than two years.

The officials also said that most high rises do not possess adequate fire safety devices, necessary to deal with major fires, further jeopardising the safety of the citizens.

Even as numerous notices have been issued and strict action has been taken against such high rises in the past, officials have cited the careless approach adopted by builders as the main reason for fire hazards.

"While the fire department is expected to take action, even the residents must put pressure on these establishments," said a senior official from the fire department.

Lack of proper infrastructure in the city also has proven to be a major challenge in dealing with massives fire tragedies.

While the hydraulic ladders used by fire safety officials can be raised up to heights of 40 m, most high rises in Gurugram extend above 50 m.

Recently, the Haryana government had announced that a budget of Rs 50 crore will be allocated for revamping the fire department.