Despite rise in fire incidents, safety measures not in place

Despite the industrial hub having earned the dubious distinction of witnessing the maximum number of fire incidents in the state every year, no steps are being taken in terms of safety measures by the authorities concerned. It is learnt that in most of the fire incidents, the affected industries, showrooms, godowns or business establishments did not have the fire safety arrangements because of which the fire could not be controlled in the initial stages.

The owners’ failure to make fire safety arrangements became a reason for the major loss of goods, machinery and even the building. Apart from the loss of properties, fatalities were also reported in some incidents as workers either died of asphyxiation or due to burn injuries.

The lethargic attitude of the department can be gauged from the fact that despite the violations being evident, the authorities failed to take action against the owners of the establishments. After a fire incident, the owner usually revamps the establishment and again pays less heed to completing the fire safety arrangements.

Ludhiana’s record of fire safety is a grim issue in context of the tragic fire in a plastic factory near Suffian Chowk, which resulted in the death of 16 persons, nine of whom were firefighters, in 2017. The city’s neglect in enforcing fire regulations is apparent given the unpermitted storage of flammable chemicals which caused the calamity.

Less than 2% possess valid fire safety certificates: Fire official

“Less than two per cent of the industries, commercial establishments, educational institutions and other buildings possess valid fire safety certificates. Fire safety certificate violations are rampant throughout the city’s 425,000 properties, 200,000 of which are commercial and industrial sites, due to lack of personnel. Many residents and business establishment owners do not adhere to fire safety guidelines, neglecting the need for enhanced overall safety,” said a fire official requesting anonymity.

Fire officials are now waiting for the enforcement of the Punjab Fire and Emergency Services Act, 2022, so that they can properly wield the authority necessary to enforce fire safety compliance. The implementation of guidelines, random inspections and legal measures would improve fire safety compliance in Ludhiana. Periodic checks, alongside legal strategies, can enhance overall safety, fire officials added.

“Less than two per cent of the industries, commercial establishments, educational institutions and other buildings possess valid fire safety certificates. Fire safety certificate violations are rampant throughout the city’s 425,000 properties, 200,000 of which are commercial and industrial sites, due to a lack of personnel. Many residents and business establishment owners do not adhere to fire safety guidelines, neglecting the need for enhanced overall safety,” said a fire official requesting anonymity

Ludhiana