Bhubaneswar: Odisha Fire and Emergency Service (OFES) has issued notices on over 800 buildings of different categories for allegedly operating without obtaining mandatory fire safety certificates.
According to information, notices have been issued this year to 258 residential complexes, 172 hotels, 100 educational institutions, 14 healthcare facilities, 32 business establishments, 63 industrial units, 86 mercantile buildings and 34 places of assembly for violating fire safety norms.
Notably, OFES is set to launch a month-long special enforcement and awareness drive from September 15 to improve compliance.
During the special drive, titled “Surakhsit Odisha, Vikashit Odisha”, the focus will be on strengthening fire-safety compliance and preventing incidents in buildings that have not obtained the required certification, TOI quoted department’s IGP Umashankar Dash as saying.
The move assumes significance in view of recent fire incidents reported in several buildings that lacked fire safety certificates.
Stressing the importance of saving life and property from fire incidents, Dash said many fire incidents are preventable and it is necessary to enhance awareness, compliance and vigilance.
As part of the campaign, fire officials will conduct intensive preventive audits of buildings and establishments covered under fire safety regulations.
The department will also organise awareness demonstrations, camps, workshops and exhibitions to educate building owners, occupiers and other stakeholders about fire prevention and safety measures.
An important feature of the drive will be the creation of a database containing details of all buildings and establishments that require fire safety certificates, along with their certification status. The system is expected to help authorities monitor compliance more effectively.
Other licencing authorities and insurance companies will also be involved in the campaign to strengthen fire-safety compliance across the state. Self-compliance, cooperation and coordination with stakeholders will be the priority, officials said