A local investigation has revealed that most of the major commercial establishments in Jharsuguda, including Shanti City Centre, Vishal Mega Mart, Vmart, Big Bazar, City life, Pantaloons, Anand World, Punjab Cloth Store and The Bharat General Stores, are in violation of the fire safety norms prescribed by the Government.
As per fire department's safety norms, every commercial building which is more than 15 meters in height, is mandated to install fire safety norms. However, most prime commercial establishments stand in violation of these rules. While obtaining permission for running commercial establishments, the Fire department prescribes these rules to commercial establishments.
These establishments have received no no-objection certificate from the Fire department. In case of any fire mishap, the lives of hundreds of customers who throng these places stand to be in danger.
A social activist said, “last year during Durga Puja, there was a fire accident that took place in a garment showroom near Station Chowk. Although fortunately nobody got hurt and the fire was averted in time, it caused material loss of crores of rupees and blocked the passage on the Jharsuguda Main Road for more than four hours.”
Municipality Counsellor Pyare lal Srivastava said that provision for parking facility at all big malls and shopping complexes along the Jharsuguda Main Road is extremely crucial as there is congestion due to vehicles parked along the road. In an event of a mishap, it can cause enormous damage.
A Wesco official said, “Annually, most cases of fire outbreak are related to short circuit. Buildings which consume more than 100 kilowatt of electricity are checked by us for loopholes like faulty earthing and faulty electrical equipment, but others have to rewire and replace equipment to ensure the safety of their premises.”