PUNE: An ongoing survey by the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has revealed major fire safety issues at commercial establishments across the twin cities. A total of 43,925 commercial establishments — including hospitals, educational institutes, shops and industrial units — have been surveyed so far, and almost all of them lack compliance to fire safety rules.
There are over 75,000 registered commercial establishments under PCMC limits. The civic body started the fire safety survey of these properties in October last year.
“Almost all commercial establishments surveyed till now lack compliance of some or the other fire safety rule. We have sent text messages to all the owners and occupiers of all these establishments, urging them to fill out updated information using the link provided in our missive. We have also identified around 700 establishments where the survey teams were denied entry. The appropriate action will be initiated against them as well,” a senior officer of PCMC told TOI.
The initiative gained more attention after the recent fire incident at an illegal candle manufacturing factory in Talawade, in which 14 people were killed.
PCMC commissioner Shekhar Singh told TOI, “The safety of our citizens is our topmost priority. We cannot afford to overlook lapses in fire prevention measures. The text messages are nothing but a reminder to ensure that all establishments adhere to the necessary safety standards.”
Pradeep Jambhale Patil, additional commissioner of PCMC, added, “The sheer number of establishments with inadequate fire safety measures in place is a cause for concern. We are committed to creating a safer environment for all. This reminder is a necessary step to rectify existing gaps in overall fire safety.”
