Fire safety

— Monday’s fire at the Assam Police Reserve ought to serve as a wake-up call for our complacent authorities to check the city’s haphazard growth and put in place an effective fire-fighting mechanism. Despite the fact that the Police Reserve was located very close to the State Fire Service headquarters, nearly 60 staff quarters were reduced to ashes because the narrow, crowded lanes prevented timely arrival of fire tenders. A number of localities in the city, especially commercial areas like Fancy Bazar, face a serious threat of fire disaster due to the presence of narrow roads and lanes and traffic congestion. Most of the market places in various parts of the city form another vulnerable area. Narrow lanes apart, the absence of sufficient fire-fighting facilities in the markets is bound to multiple the risk factor manifold. Then, many of the shopping complexes, especially the old ones, hardly possess any fire-prevention mechanism. As shopping complexes attract huge crowds every day, any incident of fire could trigger a stampede and lead to catastrophic consequences. It is also doubtful how many of the high-rises sprouting everywhere in the city adhere to strict fire-prevention norms.

Under the circumstances, the administration and other government authorities concerned would do well to realise the gravity of the situation and initiate remedial measures. All commercial buildings must be compelled to follow adequate fire-safety norms. Old buildings not possessing the required fire-prevention measures too need to be equipped with the facilities. There should be a hard crackdown on those found to be flouting fire- safety norms. It is an open secret that fire safety certificates can be obtained by greasing the palms of officials without taking the trouble of actually installing a fire-prevention mechanism. Unless such corrupt practices are checked, it would be futile to anticipate a change in the situation. Another imperative need to deal with fire-related emergencies is to clear encroachments from roadsides. As a long-term preventive measure, it should be ensured that all newly-developed areas possess wide roads, allowing easy access for fire tenders in case of any eventuality. The practice of granting licences for high-rises on small plots in residential areas ought to be done away with. On the whole, there is an urgent need for checking the unscientific and haphazard development that the city is experiencing. source: assam tribune editorial