Noida, Jun 4 (PTI) A day after a massive fire at a hotel in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar claimed 21 lives, the Gautam Buddh Nagar Police and Fire Department on Thursday launched a seven-day special inspection and awareness drive at hotels and other establishments to strengthen fire safety measures.
Under the direction of Police Commissioner Laxmi Singh and supervision of Chief Fire Officer Pradeep Kumar, 23 hotels were inspected on the first day of the drive, officials said.
During the inspections, fire safety arrangements were examined and hotel management, employees and visitors were sensitised about emergency preparedness. A live demonstration on the use of primary firefighting equipment was also conducted, in which around 787 people participated, according to an official statement.
Hotel operators were instructed to keep firefighting equipment functional, comply with fire safety standards and “ensure that emergency exits remain open and free from obstruction at all times to facilitate safe evacuation during emergencies.” The department said continuous inspections, awareness and training programmes were being conducted to minimise loss of life and property during emergencies and provide a safer environment to citizens.
CFO Kumar said the drive was started following directions from the Gautam Buddh Nagar Police Commissionerate and headquarters, with nine teams deployed across the district.
“The objective is not to harass anyone but to ensure that fire safety equipment installed at hotels is available, functional and that the staff is trained to handle emergencies,” Kumar said.
He said notices were being issued wherever shortcomings were found and action would be taken against establishments failing to follow safety norms.
During inspections, some establishments were found to have fire safety equipment installed but lapses were noticed in maintenance and operation.
In one hotel, fire pumps were installed but pressure loss was detected and the staff was not adequately trained, he added.
He said a fire NOC is issued for a specific period, but regular maintenance of equipment and training of employees remains the responsibility of the establishment.
“Wherever deficiencies are found, necessary action is being taken to ensure public safety,” he said. PTI KIS NB NB
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