RAIPUR: Alarmed by a series of fatal fire incidents reported across the country, the Chhattisgarh govt has ordered a statewide safety audit of high-rise residential buildings, coaching institutes, hotels, malls and other commercial establishments, warning of strict legal action against institutions found violating fire and building safety norms.Chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai has directed officials to launch a comprehensive inspection drive, saying public safety could not be compromised and that recent tragedies should serve as a warning to plug gaps before disaster strikes.“Any negligence in ensuring the safety of citizens, students and visitors will not be tolerated,” Sai said, directing authorities to enforce prescribed safety standards and take action against defaulters.Later, chief secretary Vikas Sheel instructed divisional commissioners, district collectors, municipal commissioners, chief municipal officers, fire services officials and other departments to immediately begin inspections across the state.The audit will cover multi-storey residential complexes, coaching centres, tuition institutes, hotels, lodges, malls, commercial complexes and other public-use buildings. Officials have been asked to verify the availability and operational status of firefighting equipment, validity of fire NOCs, emergency exits, structural stability, electrical systems, CCTV surveillance, first-aid facilities, drinking water and sanitation arrangements.The inspection teams will also examine whether buildings are operating beyond their sanctioned capacity, review parking management, and assess evacuation plans and overall disaster preparedness.Officials have been directed to identify safety deficiencies and issue immediate compliance notices wherever required. Buildings found with serious violations will face action under relevant legal provisions.The state govt’s move comes in the wake of recent fire tragedies in different parts of the country, including the Lucknow blaze that triggered a review of safety regulations and renewed scrutiny of commercial establishments operating without adequate fire protection measures. Govt officials said the objective of the exercise is to ensure compliance with safety norms before any such incident occurs in the state.
