In a decisive response to a spate of recent fire incidents, the Ernakulam District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has issued a series of urgent directives to bolster fire safety across the district. The move comes after two separate fires broke out on Tuesday – one in the bustling Broadway market area in the morning and another at a scrap yard in Pulinchodu during the evening.
Immediate Actions and Committee Formation
The DDMA meeting, chaired by the District Collector, revealed that despite repeated recommendations from the Fire Safety Department for installing proper fire-fighting systems in city markets, the corporation had failed to take action. To ensure accountability and swift implementation, the authority has decided to form a dedicated committee.
This committee will be led by the Sub-Collector and will include the Corporation Secretary, officials from KSEB, the Fire Force, a hazard analyst, and representatives from other relevant departments. Their primary task will be to oversee and expedite all fire safety-related measures.
Strict Deadlines for Local Bodies
The DDMA has set a firm deadline for all local bodies in Ernakulam district. They must establish special monitoring committees and conduct comprehensive fire audits before the onset of summer.
All these audits must be completed by January 15, 2024. The focus will be on high-risk and high-occupancy establishments, including:
- Schools and educational institutions
- Hospitals and healthcare centers
- Market complexes and commercial hubs
- Waste collection and storage centers
Furthermore, the Collector has instructed all local bodies to prepare a ready list of available vehicles, including machinery like Hitachi, to ensure they can be deployed without delay during emergencies.
Infrastructure Boost: Hydrants and Water Tanks
Addressing the critical need for water supply during fires, the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) officials at the meeting were directed to speed up the installation of fire hydrants at strategic locations across the district. In the first phase, priority will be given to installing these hydrants in Broadway and Aluva.
In a significant infrastructure announcement, KWA officials informed the DDMA that an estimate of Rs 12 crore has been prepared for constructing a new water tank in Thammanam. Steps are already being initiated to complete this project as quickly as possible to enhance water storage capacity for firefighting.
The series of directives underscores a renewed and urgent focus on disaster preparedness in Ernakulam, aiming to prevent the recurrence of fire incidents that threaten life, property, and vital commercial areas in the district.
