Delhi govt issues fresh fire safety directives for coaching centres

NEW DELHI: In the wake of the Surat fire tragedy, the Delhi government has ordered an investigation into whether fire safety norms are being complied with at coaching centres across the city. As per an order issued by the Delhi government's Department of Home, all coaching centres operating in high rise buildings (more than four floors excluding stilt floor) shall be inspected by the Director (Fire Services) who shall take immediate action for closing down coaching institutes operating above the fourth floor in buildings that are in violation of the fire norms.

"In light of the Surat fire trgedy in which 21 students were killed, it is hereby directed that Director (Fire Services) shall carry out an immediate inspection of all the buildings housing coaching centres and take strict action as per fire safety standards and guidelines to prevent recurrence of such accidents," noted the order.

It also added, "It is further directed that as a precautionary step, in the first phase, all such coaching centres operating in high rise buildings (more than four floors excluding stilt floor) shall be got inspected by the Director (Fire Services) who shall take immediate action for closing down the operation of coaching institutes operating above the fourth floor in such buildings in violation of the fire norms.

Earlier, Delhi chief Fire officer Atul Garg said that small coaching institutes do not come directly under his jurisdiction, but still the department will start inspections of coaching institutes which are functioning in buildings above 15 metres and facts will be checked whether they have applied for license and if not, notice will be issued against them.

"On Thursday, the department rescued 30 people safely after a major fire broke out on the fifth floor of a building in Nehru Place here, he said.