INDIORE: The Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) and district administration are stepping up their efforts against fire safety violations, placing around 100 commercial buildings (G+3) under scrutiny. Officials have issued an urgent warning, giving building owners until April 8 to install mandatory fire safety equipment or risk immediate sealing and further legal actions.
This initiative follows an extensive survey conducted by building officers and inspectors in high-traffic areas throughout all zones. Out of 337 inspected buildings, the survey uncovered significant deficiencies: 87 buildings lacked any fire safety equipment, while 19 had installed systems that were non-functional. A total of 67 notices have already been issued to owners and operators who do not meet the required standards.
“The 15-day notice period after our public announcement is coming to an end. All high-occupancy G+3 commercial buildings must have operational fire safety systems and hold regular drills. We will start strict enforcement in the next two days, which includes sealing premises and applying actions under building regulations,” stated Collector Shivam Verma.
IMC Additional Commissioner Prakhar Singh stressed that the grace period has ended. “We have set a deadline of April 8 for compliance. Those who fail to implement necessary fire safety measures will face stringent legal consequences during the enforcement phase,” he cautioned.
In conjunction with this enforcement initiative, the IMC fire department and district administration are conducting large-scale drills to reduce fire hazards as summer approaches. Recent training sessions and live demonstrations have taken place at key locations, including the collectorate and various shopping malls in the city.
The drills emphasize safe evacuation routes, effective use of fire extinguishers, and staying calm in emergencies. The administration’s primary goal is “prevention first,” urging citizens and business owners to prioritize safety to protect lives and property, Verma added.
