Jaipur, Sep 22 (PTI) The Rajasthan State Human Rights Commission on Tuesday directed the Jaipur administration and civic authorities to ensure adequate fire hydrants and water availability across the city, days after a major fire at Purohitji Ka Katla exposed gaps in fire-fighting preparedness in the congested walled city.
The commission also sought a detailed report on fire-fighting infrastructure in Jaipur, including the location of fire stations and hydrants, water storage arrangements, number and capacity of fire tenders and equipment available to deal with fire incidents in high-rise buildings.
In an order issued by its Chairman, Justice G R Moolchandani, the commission asked the Jaipur district magistrate, municipal corporation commissioner, deputy commissioner (fire) and chief fire officer to ensure arrangements are in place to prevent such incidents and, in case of a fire, bring it under control without delay.
It directed the authorities to plan fire-safety arrangements in Jaipur in such a manner that hydrant points with adequate water are available in different areas and fire tenders remain ready with sufficient water pressure.
The directions came after the commission’s registrar inspected the fire-hit Sethi Complex at Purohitji Ka Katla near Badi Chaupar following suo motu cognisance taken by the commission on September 18.
During the inspection, narrow staircases leading to the first and second floors and a high concentration of shops were allegedly found at the complex. Burnt goods were lying scattered in the passage.
A fire hydrant installed on the second floor was found non-functional and dried flower garlands were lying on it. The commission was also informed that the complex allegedly did not have a fire NOC.
Fire officials told the commission that no hydrant or water supply point was available within about one to one-and-a-half kilometres of the area. A hydrant was available at the Ghat Gate fire station, about one-and-a-half to two kilometres from the site, with the route passing through congested markets and several traffic signals.
The chief fire officer told the commission that nine fire tenders were kept ready at the Ghat Gate fire station. However, officials could not tell how much water was stored in individual tenders as the vehicles did not have gauges to measure it.
The commission also noted that the fire department’s register recorded the dispatch of a fire tender at 8.17 am on September 17, but did not mention the time at which information about the fire was received.
According to the order, the chief fire officer also told the commission that water pressure was low during the fire-fighting operation.
The authorities have also been asked to provide details of action taken this year against commercial complexes operating without prescribed fire-safety arrangements or fire NOCs.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on October 9.
Several shops were gutted in the fire incident on September 17. PTI SDA MNK
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