Industry Odisha Bureau, April 9: Following the SCB Medical College and Hospital fire incident, the State Government woke up and asked concerned engineers to ensure fire and life safety provisions in all public buildings.
The Works Department has issued a strong warning letter to the Chief Engineers of Buildings and Chief Architect in this regard recently.
In the letter, the Government said integration of comprehensive fire safety measures in the design and execution of public infrastructure requires renewed focus and technical rigour.
“All field officials may be directed to ensure that every public building project under their jurisdiction strictly conforms to the prescribed fire prevention and life safety standards,” it said.
The government made it clear that all new building proposals must incorporate comprehensive fire and life safety measures, including provisions for fire detection, alarm systems, fire-fighting installations, safe evacuation routes, and access for fire services.
“No building plan shall be approved without due vetting of fire safety provisions by the competent authority, wherever applicable. Necessary clearances from Fire Services authorities must be obtained before commencement of work,” read the order.
The concerned engineer will execute the works with strict adherence to the approved fire safety designs and specifications. Any deviation shall be viewed seriously and require prior approval of the competent authority, warned the government.
A comprehensive assessment of all existing public buildings will be undertaken to identify gaps in fire and life safety compliance. Necessary retrofitting and upgradation measures will be taken on priority, especially for high-occupancy and critical buildings such as hospitals, educational institutions, and offices, the department directed.
All fire safety systems (hydrants, sprinklers, alarms extinguishers, etc.) must be kept in functional condition at all times through periodic inspection, testing, and maintenance, it further instructed the engineers.
The Works Department has also sought a status report on compliance and action taken in respect of existing buildings. The Chief Engineers will regularly review the progress made in this direction.
Notably, at least 13 persons have lost their lives in the devastating fire incident that took place at an ICU in the SCB Medical College Hospital in Cuttack on March 16. The fire incident has triggered nationwide outrage. The Budget session of the State Assembly was also disrupted for several days as opposition demanded the resignation of the Health Minister over the fire incident.
