Debabrata.MohapatraBhubaneswar: Odisha fire and emergency service (OFES) has served notices on around 800 buildings across various categories for allegedly operating without mandatory fire safety certificates. OFES will launch a month-long special enforcement and awareness drive from Sept 15 to improve compliance.According to OFES, notices have been issued this year to 258 residential complexes, 172 hotels, 100 educational institutions, 14 healthcare facilities, 32 business establishments, 63 industrial units, 86 mercantile buildings and 34 places of assembly for violating fire safety norms.“During our ensuing special drive, titled “Surakhsit Odisha, Vikashit Odisha”, we will focus on strengthening fire-safety compliance and preventing incidents in buildings that have not obtained the required certification,” department’s IGP Umashankar Dash said.The move comes against the backdrop of recent fire incidents reported in several buildings that did not have fire safety certificates.“Saving life and property from fire incidents is our mandate. Many fire incidents are preventable. We need more awareness, compliance and vigilance. For that, we are launching this drive,” Dash said, warning stringent action against violators.As part of the campaign, fire officials will conduct intensive preventive audits of buildings and establishments covered under fire safety regulations. The department will also organise awareness demonstrations, camps, workshops and exhibitions to educate building owners, occupiers and other stakeholders about fire prevention and safety measures.A key component of the drive will be the creation of a database containing details of all buildings and establishments that require fire safety certificates, along with their certification status. Officials said the system is expected to help authorities monitor compliance more effectively.“We will involve other licencing authorities and insurance companies in the campaign to strengthen fire-safety compliance across the state. Self-compliance, cooperation and coordination with stakeholders will be our priority. We seek cooperation from all,” the department said.IGP Dash said the campaign would also be aligned with the government’s “ease of doing business” mandate, with the objective of ensuring that the state’s economic and infrastructural development takes place in a safe environment.
