More than 600 of Gurugram's 700 mobile towers have no clearance
20 Feb 2018 11:01 PM IST
Gurugram: The perils to safety of residents of Gurugram has once again been exposed in an RTI reply, which reveals that 600 mobile towers in the city do not have fire safety clearances.
The application was filed by prominent social activist Harinder Dhingra.
There are over 700 mobile towers in the city, which have caused a debate over the radiations emitted by them. However, the growth of telecom sector has ensured a growth in the number of towers as well.
In the past, there have also been complaints that most such towers in the city have been set up illegally.
At a time when lapses in procedure caused deadly fires in Kamala Mills in Mumbai and a factory in Delhi's Bawana, it seems that Gurugram is yet to learn lessons and take preventive steps.
According to official data, over 200 high rises – categorised as buildings above 15 metres in height – do not have an no objection certificate (NOC) from fire safety officials.
An estimated 7,000 people in such buildings, with most of the builders failing to renew their fire safety license after every one year.
Officials of the fire department mention that most of them have not renewed their license for more than two years.
The officials have also claimed that most of the high rise buildings do not possess adequate devices to properly deal with a major fire, which further jeopardises the safety of residents.
Even as several notices have been issued and strict action has been taken against high rises in the past, officials point out that builders are careless.
"As per law, major establishments in the city have to renew their licenses after every year. However, many establishments do not renew their licenses and continue to play with the lives of the people in the city. While the fire department is expected to take action, even residents must put pressure on these establishments," said a senior fire department official.
Lack of proper infrastructure in the city also could prove to be major challenge in dealing with massive fire tragedy.
While the hydraulic ladders 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.
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