Gurugram: A distance of 1400 kilometres separates Gurugram from Mumbai but the urban challenges, especially regarding fire safety, is similar in both the cities.
As a fire tragedy engulfed Kamala mills in Mumbai's Lower Parel, the disaster holds out valuable lessons for residents of the Millennium city. In April this year, the district fire department issued notices to 200 high rise commercial and residential buildings in Gurguram for not renewing their fire NOC.
High rises are categorised as buildings that are over 15 meters in height. Over the years, a large number of commercial structures and residential societies that house lakhs of residents have mushroomed in the city. Fire Department officials have even warned builders of action for non- adherence to fire safety norms.
Most builders need to renew the fire safety license after every one year. The fire department officials state that most of them have not renewed their license for over two years. It is alarming how a large number of schools and hospital are ill-equipped to handle fire emergencies.
In July this year, a tragedy was averted after a fire broke out at an ICU and neonatal ward at Sheetla hospital in Gurugram. At the time there were 40 patients in the hospital. An investigation by public agencies after this incident brought to light that the civil hospital that admits over 2000 patients daily in its OPD also was functioning without a fire safety clearance. Earlier, RTI queries revealed that over 60 private schools in Gurugram were operating without the NOC from the fire department.
"As per law, major establishments in the city have to renew their licences annually. However, many establishments in the city do not renew their licences and continue to play with the lives of the people in the city. 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.
Experts cite that dry summers often result in a spurt in fire incidents, with short circuits causing many fire incidents.