Preventable Tragedies Highlight Urgent Need for Strict Fire Safety Regulations and Accountability
In response to the recent fire tragedies at a gaming zone in Rajkot, Gujarat, and a children's hospital in Delhi, which resulted in the deaths of several people, including many new-borns and children, Sandeep Chachra, Executive Director of ActionAid Association, remarked in a NewsX conversation that these incidents were preventable. He criticised private and public operators' disregard for fire safety regulations, attributing this negligence to systemic corruption and a lax regulatory framework. He pointed out that despite robust standards set by the National Disaster Mitigation Authority and the National Building Codes of 2016, these guidelines were not followed in the cases above. Sandeep asserted that accountability lies with the building owners and those responsible for maintaining fire safety standards. He highlighted that prompt action could have saved lives and noted the role of some NGOs in providing aid in Delhi.
Sandeep called for stringent enforcement of fire safety regulations and annual audits of all public buildings. Citing the Supreme Court's intervention during the 2020 COVID-19 outbreak, which mandated fire safety in hospitals, Sandeep noted the necessity of regular audits wherever workers are present. He stressed the importance of modernising fire safety departments, improving helplines, and increasing public awareness to break the cycle of negligence and complicity. In his final words, Sandeep lamented the loss of lives and the devastation caused by these preventable incidents, describing the situation as criminal negligence that must be severely addressed. He affirmed the need for more robust and transparent regulatory oversight, particularly as private enterprises and contractors play an increasingly prominent role in the economy.
Telecast on NewsX on 26 May 24
13 окт 2024
