150 govt schools, 30 coaching centres run sans NOCs in Ggn

Gurugram: In wake of the major tragedy in Surat where 22 lives were lost, it seems that Gurugram is also sitting on a tinderbox. According to official sources, almost all the government schools in the district that is 150 in number and 30 coaching centres do not possess the NOC from the fire department. Moreover, according to officials, there are also 60 private schools that are unsafe for thousands of students in terms of fire safety.

Sources in the fire department have cited that lack of action by the authorities is resulting in most of the establishments including schools in the city getting away and not renewing their fire safety licenses.

Besides the private schools, there are certain Government establishments including the city's civil hospital that do not have fire safety clearance certificate. For safety precautions, the city fire department has already started issuing notices to various establishments that are functioning without the fire safety clearance. "As per law, major establishments in the city have to renew their licences after every year. 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. The major reasons for the increase in fire incidents is short circuit caused due to overloaded electrical components, old electric wires, overheated electrical devices.

Lack of proper infrastructure in the city also can prove to be a major challenge in dealing with massive fire tragedy. While the hydraulic machine possessed by the fire safety officials can be raised up to the level of 40 metres, most of the high rises extend to the height of 50 metres.

Recently the Haryana government made an announcement that a budget of Rs 50 crores will be allocated in revamping the fire department. It is expected that purchases of the hydraulic platform of 100 metres, 70 metres and 32 metres along with high crane vehicles will be purchased. However, no deadline has been set that when these devices will be made available.