Mumbai tower fire a cautionary lesson for Ggn high-rises

GURUGRAM: The fire on Wednesday in a high-rise building in central Mumbai’s Parel area should serve be a wake-up call to Gurugram, where most high-rises are in violation of safety protocols

High-rises are categorised as buildings more than 15 metres in height.

Over the years, a large number of commercial structures and residential societies, that house lakhs of residents, have come up in Gurugram.

Taking note of the risk to safety of citizens in such structures, officials of the fire department have repeatedly warned builders of strict action if safety norms continue to be ignored.

Builders are supposed to renew their fire safety licences annually, but fire department officials claim that most builders have not renewed their licences for over two years.

Alarmingly, even a large number of schools and hospital have been found unfit of handing major fire mishaps.

Recently, information obtained from an RTI query revealed that over 60 private schools in Gurugram are functioning without an NOC (no objection certificate) from the fire department.

“As per law, major establishments in the city have to renew their licenses every year. However, many establishments do not renew their licences and continue to play with the lives of the people. While the fire department is expected to take action, even residents must put pressure on these establishments,” said a senior official of Gurugram fire department.

Experts cite that dry summers often witness a spurt in fire incidents.

A major factor for the rise in fire accidents is short circuit caused due to overloaded electrical components, old electric wires and overheated electri- cal devices.

Meanwhile, the Haryana government is all set to revamp the Gurugram fire department, with a budget of Rs 50 crore planned be allocated to its modernisation.

The funds will facilitate purchase of hydraulic platforms of 100 metres, 70 metres and 32 metres, as well as high-crane vehicles.