A prominent club and restaurant located on the busy Wardha Road in Nagpur, close to the airport, has been found operating without the mandatory fire safety compliance certificate. This discovery raises alarming questions about regulatory enforcement and public safety, especially in light of recurring deadly fire incidents across India.
Installation Without Certification: A Critical Lapse
According to officials, the establishment, Dabo Club, initially functioned without installing the prescribed fire-fighting systems. It was only after the local fire department issued a formal notice that the owners took action and installed the necessary equipment. The restaurant had previously secured an initial No Objection Certificate (NOC) and set up apparatus including fire extinguishers and other fire-fighting arrangements.
However, the crucial final step was missed: the owners failed to apply for the final compliance certificate. This document is mandatory as it certifies that all installed safety systems are fully functional and adhere to the prescribed norms.
Authorities Admit to Lack of Follow-Up
Officials from the fire department have admitted to a lack of aggressive pursuit in this case. They confirmed that a reminder letter was sent to the establishment months ago, urging it to obtain the compliance certificate. Despite this, they conducted no fresh inspection and did not follow up stringently with the owners.
When questioned about the next steps, officials indicated that another reminder might only be sent "in January." This delay and apparent complacency on the part of both the establishment and the regulators have sparked serious concerns.
Why a Ground-Floor Structure is Still at High Risk
While the Dabo Club structure is limited to the ground floor, fire safety experts emphasize that risk is not solely determined by a building's height. Key risk factors present in such establishments include commercial kitchens, storage and use of gas cylinders, and high electrical load. These elements create high-risk zones for fire incidents, regardless of the number of storeys.
Unanswered Questions and Urgent Need for Reform
This episode leaves several uncomfortable questions unanswered: Why was the venue allowed to continue operations without the final certificate? Why did the fire department fail to enforce a strict timeline for compliance? And why does the establishment itself appear unconcerned about such a critical safety requirement?
The situation underscores an urgent need for stronger regulatory checks, stricter penalties for non-compliance, and a policy of zero tolerance towards negligent establishments. The call is for proactive action to prevent negligence from turning into a tragic disaster.
The report is based on information from officials and highlights a systemic issue in civic safety enforcement in Nagpur.
