Kozhikode: The district-level Disaster Management Authority and the Fire and Rescue Services Department will submit their joint inspection report on the existing security threats and violation of safety norms on S.M. Street to District Collector U.V. Jose on Saturday.
While preparing the report on the direction of the Collector, the squad visited various shops on the street and took note of major violations. Deputy Collector (Disaster Management) B. Abdul Nasar and Divisional Fire Officer Arun Bhasker were also present during the joint inspections conducted in the wake of the recent fire breakout on the street.
Sources said violators of safety standards would be prosecuted under various Sections of the Disaster Management Act. Illegal constructions in parking areas, unauthorised shop extensions, unsafe electrical fittings, illegal use of LPG for operating generators, and unorganised storage of hazardous materials will be dealt with seriously under the law.
Officials of the Fire and Rescue Services Department have been directed to suggest safety measures to be taken immediately to prevent frequent fire breakouts on the street. The suggestions will be discussed in the presence of merchants’ association leaders and Revenue Department officials at the collectorate conference hall on Saturday.
An earlier study conducted by the department had exposed a series of violations by owners of commercial complexes and shopping malls. Incidentally, violations were even noticed in the construction of prominent hospital buildings.
Poor internal fire fighting facilities and alarm systems was a major slip noticed during previous inspections. The squads even came across buildings in which emergency exits were closed permanently and staircase spaces were converted for miscellaneous purposes. Smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and fire hydrants were found totally useless in several places.
