RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has mandated a detailed review and safety audit of multi-storey residential complexes, commercial centers, coaching institutes, hotels, and other public buildings statewide, officials reported on Thursday.
This directive follows several recent fire incidents nationwide, including a tragic blaze in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh on June 22 that resulted in 15 fatalities.
The building that caught fire in Lucknow’s Aliganj area included an animation center, and many victims were students.
Taking these incidents seriously, the Chief Minister emphasized the necessity for strict adherence to safety regulations to avert future tragedies, according to an official announcement.
“The safety of citizens, particularly students and the general public, is the government’s highest priority,” said Sai in the statement.
In response to the Chief Minister’s orders, Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel has instructed all divisional commissioners, district collectors, municipal corporation commissioners, chief municipal officers, fire service officials, and relevant departments to conduct an extensive inspection initiative across the state.
This initiative will involve thorough inspections of multi-storey residential buildings, coaching centers, tuition classes, hotels, lodges, shopping malls, commercial complexes, and other public buildings, as outlined in the official release.
The inspections will evaluate the presence and functionality of firefighting equipment, the validity of fire safety no-objection certificates (NOCs), emergency exit accessibility, structural integrity of buildings, electrical wiring conditions, CCTV systems, first-aid resources, and sanitation arrangements.
Inspectors will also verify that occupancy levels are in line with approved capacities, assess parking situations, and prepare for emergency evacuation, rescue, and disaster management plans.
Sai has instructed authorities to mandate improvements where deficiencies are identified during inspections and to take actions against serious violations.
He emphasized the government’s duty to ensure the safety of students, women, senior citizens, and all residents, urging institutions to comply strictly with safety standards.
