Fire and Rescue officials have asked the management of Oberon Mall, Edappally, to enhance the safety and rescue measures at the building after a fire that broke out on the top floor of the mall on Wednesday.
The suggestions include provisions for providing proper ventilation and emergency lighting system on the top floor. At least one-third of the glass panels fixed at the external portion of the building should be replaced with glass windows, which could be opened, officials said.
Meanwhile, Mayor Soumini Jain has directed the Secretary of the Kochi Corporation to review the safety aspects of all the high-rise buildings in the corporation limits. Instructions have been issued to act against buildings which have violated safety guidelines, said a statement issued by Ms. Jain.
The service of all the building inspectors of the corporation will be used for the purpose.
A.S. Anuja, Secretary of the Kochi Corporation, said the officials had been asked to report on the safety aspects of all the high-rises in their respective areas. The officials were instructed to compile a list of buildings and identify the safety concerns, she said.
A senior functionary of the corporation said the residents and occupants of buildings, which were classified as unauthorised (UA) by the local body, were unaware of the safety hazards in the buildings they occupied.
Report sought
At a meeting called by District Collector K. Mohammed Y. Safirullah on Wednesday, he asked the Assistant Divisional Officer, Fire and Rescue Services, to submit a report on inspection of buildings within a week.
