Raipur: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has ordered a comprehensive review and special safety audit of multi-storey residential complexes, commercial establishments, coaching institutes, hotels and other public buildings across the state, officials said on Thursday.
The directive comes in the wake of some recent fire incidents in different parts of the country, including the deadly blaze in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow on June 22 that claimed 15 lives, they said.
The building, which caught on fire in Lucknow's Aliganj area, housed an animation centre, among other establishments, and most of the victims who lost their lives were students.
Also Read: Smoke inhalation, not flames, killed all 15 in Lucknow fire: Post-mortem reveals
Taking serious note of such incidents, the CM said strict compliance with safety norms must be ensured to prevent similar tragedies, an official statement said.
"Any issue related to the safety of citizens, students and the general public is the government's top priority," Sai said in the statement.
Following the chief minister's instructions, Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel has directed all divisional commissioners, district collectors, municipal corporation commissioners, chief municipal officers, fire services officials and other departments concerned to conduct a special inspection drive across the state.
Under the drive, authorities will carry out detailed inspections of multi-storey residential buildings, coaching centres, tuition classes, hotels, lodges, shopping malls, commercial complexes and other public buildings, the release said.
The inspections will assess the availability and functionality of firefighting equipment, validity of fire safety no-objection certificates (NOCs), emergency exit arrangements, structural safety of buildings, condition of electrical wiring and equipment, CCTV surveillance systems, first-aid facilities, drinking water and sanitation arrangements.
Also Read: Lucknow fire tragedy: Four arrested; accused owners of building
Officials will also examine whether the number of occupants is in accordance with a building's approved capacity, review parking arrangements, and assess preparedness for evacuation, rescue and disaster management in emergency situations, it said.
Sai instructed authorities to issue necessary directions for rectification wherever shortcomings are found during inspections and to initiate action in cases of serious violations.
He directed authorities to take stringent action, as per rules, against institutions and establishments found violating prescribed safety standards.
Sai said ensuring the safety of students, women, senior citizens and other residents is the government's responsibility and directed all institutions to strictly adhere to prescribed safety norms.
