Uncovered ducts, switch boards and cobweb-like wires at government offices are an open invitation to fire led accidents at the offices where pathetic housekeeping only increases the probability of such accidents that can lead to colossal loss to man and material. But the probability to respond to the clarion call to improve firefighting capabilities in the wake of Nepal House incident appears to be very bleak.
The fire at Nepal House was a rude shock to residents on Wednesday morning that exposed several loose ends in the firefighting system that is in place to keep fire under control and prevent any threat to human life. Moreover, too many chinks in the firefighting system pose threat to employees working at government offices and people who flock the place to get their work done. Ironically, firefighters arrived at the spot when the fire was brought under control.
“The fire was controlled within few minutes and there is no serious damage to anything,” said a security official posted at Ranchi’s second secretariat, Nepal House.
However, fighting with fire is indeed an uphill task considering ineffectiveness of equipments that has been installed at government offices. Maintenance of fire extinguishers has apparently gone for a toss too at these offices where the corridors are dotted with litter some of which are highly inflammable in nature. Most of the extinguishers need refilling since 27 May 2012 incidentally the date on which the gas needs to be replaced. The date also marks the expiry of the gas that is used to douse flames. Holiday came to the rescue of officials who were too reluctant to respond to specific queries.
“Please come tomorrow,” replied a top police official of the firefighting department.Hanging telephone wires, torn pieces of paper, plastics and defunct machines are testimonial to the level of house keeping activities at Nepal House whereas the Project Building has maintained safety standards to some extent. But the scene at other offices to lesser significance proves that safety in general is at the mercy of God.
“Backyards and secluded areas are favorite destination to dump garbage. So accidents are anything but obvious as housekeeping people do not remove garbage from those points,” said an official of Collectorate seeking anonymity.