Opinion: FTCCI recommendations to prevent fire mishaps in commercial and congested areas
Fire at Gulzar Houz where 17 members of same family passed away, is a sad reminder of how preventive measures must be taken to avoid mishaps
By Dr Suresh Kumar Singhal
Hyderabad: Gulzar Houz fire where 17 members of Prahlad Modi family died
Hyderabad: It is very unfortunate how 17 members of a family passed away in the fire accident at Gulzar Houz. The depth of the tragedy is beyond any imagination.
Whatever the reasons, this incident brings out the lack of awareness of fire safety measures among the public and the absence of concerted drives by the departments concerned to implement those standards.
FTCCI recommends the following measures, to start with, to prevent fire accidents. A long-term plan is needed for permanent solutions.
1. Conduct programs on ābasic educationā towards fire hazards and safety measures. It should also be made part of the curriculum in schools and colleges.
2. Mandatory fire safety audits: Conduct periodic third-party fire safety audits for all commercial establishments, especially in densely populated markets like Gulzar Houz.
3. Strict compliance with building codes: Enforce adherence to National Building Code (NBC) norms, including fire exits, ventilation, setback space and staircases.
4. Electrical safety checks: Implement regular inspections and certifications of electrical wiring and systems to prevent short circuits, one of the major causes of urban fires.
5. Ban on hazardous storage: Prohibit storage of flammable materials in congested markets unless proper licenses and safety measures are in place.
6. Emergency response infrastructure: Establish dedicated fire hydrants, water sources and access lanes in the Old City and high-risk zones. Penalise illegal encroachments blocking emergency access.
7. Fire safety awareness drives: Launch training and awareness programs for shopkeepers, workers and residents on fire safety protocols and use of fire extinguishers.
8. Installation of fire safety equipment: Make fire alarms, smoke detectors and extinguishers mandatory in all commercial premises. Offer subsidies or incentives to small traders to install them.
9. Digitisation of safety compliance: Introduce a centralised digital portal to track fire safety compliance, certifications and violations across commercial properties.
10. Stakeholder coordination cell: Create a joint task force with GHMC, Fire Department, Police and industrial bodies like FTCCI to conduct awareness programs, routine safety drives and act swiftly on violations.
11. Urban planning reforms: In the long term, decongest old markets by promoting planned commercial hubs and incentivising relocation of high-risk businesses to safer zones.
12. Construction norms: Mandate the developers to use fireproof material as much as possible.
13. Advise household electrical equipment manufacturing companies to display the required electricity load and other precautionary measures in a prominent way.
Co-operation of people with the departments in carrying out the supervision and installing fire safety equipment is critical in preventing fire accidents.
Dr Suresh Kumar Singhal is the president of the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI).
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of NewsMeter.
