THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Large buildings, including flat complexes, without adequate security systems, are rampant in Kerala too. It is reported that they have also received the Fire Safety NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the Fire Force.
The Fire Force itself unofficially estimates that there are about 1500 such buildings. Most of them are in Kozhikode, Ernakulam, Alappuzha and Thiruvananthapuram districts. It is alleged that NOC was issued on the recommendation of some fire force officials. The safety of buildings in Kerala has become a topic of discussion in the context of the Kuwait tragedy.
The rule is to renew the NOC every two years, but the fire force itself says that there are buildings that have not renewed the NOC for ten years. The rule is that a No Objection Certificate (NOC) should be obtained annually from the Fire Rescue Service along with other certificates after adequate maintenance. However, it is not followed.
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NOC applications received in the state this year: 13410
Sanctioned by: 9511
Rejected: 1067
Pending: 2832
Buildings that have been fire audited do not keep following the regulations and need to be inspected. Don't know if NOC is given without proper checks. It should be investigated by the vigilance department.
B. Sandhya
Former Director General
Kerala Fire and Rescue Services