Following the tragic fire at a hotel in Malviya Nagar, Delhi, which claimed 21 lives, the Fire Department in Panipat has launched a special campaign to enforce fire safety norms in the city, known globally as the 'Handloom City'. The department has served show-cause notices to seven hotels for operating without valid fire no-objection certificates (NOCs) and inadequate fire safety arrangements.
Fire Safety Violations in Panipat Hotels
Panipat, an industrial town, houses over 200 small and large hotels, restaurants, and banquet halls. Many of these establishments are functioning without obtaining fire NOCs from the Fire Department and are violating fire safety norms, posing a serious threat to human safety. However, some major hotels do possess valid fire safety NOCs.
The Fire Department has now constituted a special team to conduct safety audits of hotels and restaurants across the city. This initiative comes after a recent fire incident at a shopping mall in Sector 25 exposed significant fire safety gaps. According to sources, more than 50 major fire incidents were reported in the district over the past year.
Show-Cause Notices Issued
Amit Goswami, Leading Fireman, stated that a special campaign has been launched to conduct safety audits of hotels. Notices were served to seven hotels after several violations related to fire safety norms were detected, and because the establishments did not possess valid fire safety NOCs. He further noted that fire extinguishers in some hotels were found to be below the required standards.
Fire safety norms for hotels and restaurants are determined according to the type and structure of the building. Some mandatory safety requirements for all hotels include proper entry and exit points, unobstructed passages, emergency lighting systems, adequate fire extinguishers, alternative exit arrangements, and trained staff capable of handling fire emergencies, explained Amit Kumar.
Only 20 Hotels Have Valid Fire NOCs
Gurmail Singh, Fire Safety Officer, revealed that only 20 hotels and restaurants currently possess valid fire NOCs. He said, 'A special checking campaign has been launched to inspect all hotels, restaurants, and banquet halls. Notices have been served to seven hotels in the city,' adding that the inspection drive would continue.
The campaign aims to ensure compliance with fire safety norms and prevent tragedies like the Delhi fire incident. The Fire Department has urged all hotel and restaurant owners to obtain valid fire NOCs and adhere to safety guidelines to protect lives and property.
