The Fire and Rescue Services Department has submitted before the High Court of Kerala that it could not guarantee the physical safety of people gathered in assembly buildings at a height of more than 30 metres.
The affidavit was filed by the department in a case pertaining to Centre Square Mall. According to the department, the mall management had illegally obtained building permission from the Kochi Corporation and also in violation of the Kerala Municipal Building Rules.
In buildings like the one in question, the department submitted that at least 1,500 persons would be watching entertainment programmes in assembly halls. If a fire mishap happens, around 1,500 persons will have to be physically evacuated from the building within less than five minutes, it said.
The mall building had mixed occupancy where a large number of people visit the food court, supermarket, and other commercial establishments. Moreover, it abuts MG Road, one of the busiest areas in Kochi. Taking all these aspects into account, the department is not in a position to grant No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the building, it said.
The department also denied the contention of the mall management that the department had certified that the fire safety equipment provided to the building was in working condition.
