Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed officials to conduct a comprehensive fire safety audit across all major public-use and commercial buildings in the state, including hospitals, coaching centres, malls, hotels, and other establishments. The move aims to strengthen safety standards and prevent fire-related incidents.
The directive was issued during a high-level review meeting held at the Secretariat, where the Chief Minister emphasized that public safety remains the government’s top priority.
Strict Action on Fire Safety Violations
Chief Minister Dhami warned that any negligence in complying with fire safety norms will not be tolerated. He instructed officials to identify buildings and institutions that do not meet prescribed fire safety standards and ensure immediate corrective action.
He also emphasized the need to assess:
- Functionality of firefighting equipment
- Availability of emergency exit routes
- Electrical safety systems
- Preparedness for quick evacuation during emergencies
The Chief Minister stressed that safety infrastructure must be fully functional and regularly inspected.
Coordination Among Departments for Time-Bound Audit
Dhami directed the Fire Services Department, district administrations, and other concerned agencies to work in close coordination to complete the audit within a fixed timeframe.
He stated that a systematic and time-bound approach is essential to ensure effective implementation of fire safety measures across all districts.
Focus on Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
The Chief Minister reiterated that ensuring the safety of citizens in public spaces is a core responsibility of the government. He said that hospitals, educational institutions, and commercial buildings must follow strict safety protocols to avoid any emergency situations.
The statewide audit is expected to improve emergency preparedness and reduce risks in high-footfall areas.
PM Announces Ex-Gratia for Fire Victims in Separate Incident
In a separate development, following a recent fire tragedy in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, the Prime Minister announced financial assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
As per the announcement:
- ₹2 lakh will be given to the next of kin of each deceased person
- ₹50,000 will be provided to those injured
The Prime Minister expressed grief over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the bereaved families. He also confirmed that rescue operations were underway and that authorities were providing full assistance to the affected people.
