Safety rules go unnoticed

CHANDIGARH, Sept 28: Despite fire safety strictures laid down in the Fire Safety and Fire Prevention Act, that came into effect in the Ci...

CHANDIGARH, Sept 28: Despite fire safety strictures laid down in the Fire Safety and Fire Prevention Act, that came into effect in the City in 1991, hundreds of establishments in the City continue to flout rules.

The Chandigarh Fire Service Department has, since last year, issued 108 notices to various establishments in the City, official sources point out. This year alone, 81 notices have been sent, sources add. "The use of basements for any other purpose except for storage of materials is a violation under the law. But people continue to make offices, cabins, restaurants and pubs. All that is illegal," says City Chief Fire Officer Darshan Singh.

The Fire Service Department has recommended an amendment in the building bye-laws: that no basement be approved unless provided with two entry-exit staircases, says Singh. But as of now, the recommendation is only a proposal.

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Besides, 27 government buildings have also been served notices. Interestingly enough, these include the office of the Municipal Corporation, of which the Fire Brigade is a part. The office of the UT Deputy Commissioner, who is also the Director, Fire Services, is also among the buildings violating fire safety provisions.

"In every basement that houses offices, pubs, banquet halls or restaurants, there is an abundance of inflammable material that acts as fuel in case of fire. From woodwork to synthetic drapery to electronic and electrical gadgets, all these burn quickly and emit thick black smoke that hamper fire-fighting efforts," says an expert.