Buildings including Secretariat and Medical College operating in risky conditions; will disasters like Kuwait fire happen in Kerala?

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.

Critical condition in medical college

• If a fire breaks out at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital, which has the highest number of patients, it will become a serious issue as per the current situation. There are rusty fire extinguishers and non-functioning water sprayers here.
• Although it is recommended that a fire audit be conducted twice a year to find out the deficiencies and rectify them, it is not implemented.

Electricity, the villain in secretariat

• As part of the renovation, various types of equipment are widely installed in the old Secretariat building. The fire department has indicated that the wiring system cannot support the power for these devices. However, this issue has not been resolved.
• Many doors are permanently blocked from being opened. In case of emergency, the escape routes are closed. Fire extinguishers are also short in number.
• Although it is inspected twice a year and suggestions and recommendations are given as a report to the respective District Collectors, it is not taken seriously.

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