The department has decided to crack the whip on malls after owners of two such complexes chose to ignore notices issued to them. Fire services officials affirm that most of the malls have become potential firetraps because they housed several restaurants and pubs.
The malls have not left sufficient open places on all the four sides for taking up fire-fighting and rescue operations making it impossible for a hydraulic platform to enter the premises in case of a fire, points out a senior official.
"Emergency lighting, alternative means of escape and wet risers are non-existent in the malls. We cannot afford to wait till a major fire mishap occurs as it happened in Meerut last year which claimed 60 lives while many more suffered serious burns," says the official.
Fire officials claim that though notices have been issued to 'Lifestyle' in Begumpet highlighting deficiencies in implementing fire safety measures and directing it to take up adequate steps, nothing has been done so far. Another swank mall in Punjagutta too has serious deficiencies as far as fire safety norms are concerned, they say.
My Home Constructions Private Limited Managing Director B. Krishna Murthy, who built the 'Lifestyle' edifice, say that efforts are on to install fire safety equipment.
A static water tank has been constructed in the cellar for fire-fighting and shop owners are contacted for mobilising funds to purchase the necessary equipment.
Director-General of Fire Services Alok Srivastava says that a special drive to inspect all major shopping centres in the capital will begin on July 10. The department has already submitted a detailed report to the High Court on the inadequate fire safety measures in cinema halls and high rises.
