12 commercial high-rise buildings fail fire-safety tests in Cuttack

Cuttack: After inspecting fire safety measures at shopping malls and hotels in Puri, Bhubaneswar and other major towns in Odisha, the Fire Services Department on Saturday conducted rigorous fire safety audit at seven malls and five hotels in Cuttack.

Fire Services Director General BK Sharma said that all the 12 establishments, which were inspected today, did not have the fire safety measures.

During the inspection almost all the malls and hotels were found to be ill-equipped with fire safety equipment, he added.
“We will serve notice to them within two-three days. They will be given two month time to ensure that the buildings are fireproof,” said Sharma.

The Fire officials raided the hotels and high-rise malls in Badambadi area.

During the drive, the Fire-fighting officials checked whether the high-rise buildings and multiplexes have thorough fire safety equipment, the efficacy of fire safety equipment, enough exit routes and exit signage boards, sources said.

Fire officials have already conducted inspections in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Rourkela, Sambalpur and Berhampur.

The Fire officials have swung into action after the aftermath of the tragic fire mishap at a restaurant in Mumbai that claimed 14 lives in December last year.