Chennai development body failed to adhere to fire safety norms

43 MSBs have no-objection certificates (NOC) pending with the department of fire and rescue services, the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority’s (CMDA) official portal states that.

In Mumbai, the 19th-floor fire accident of a high rise recently has twirled the spotlight on multi-storeyed buildings (MSB) that have lagged to adhere to fire safety standards in the Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA).

43 MSBs have no-objection certificates (NOC) pending with the department of fire and rescue services,  the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority’s (CMDA) official portal states that.

Various commercial structures encroach on obstacle areas hindering the movement of fire tenders during emergencies, says activists fighting against building offenses. Among the MSBs pending NOCs are commercial structures primarily concentrated in George Town, Vepery, and T Nagar with six of them being commercial-cum-residential structures.

The fire fighting system was not installed in the majority of the building and also did not comply with the alternative fire safety issued by the DFRS (department of fire and rescue services).

During an inspection by the fire and rescue services personnel it was found that in some cases, firefighting systems were not in working condition.  After these buildings applied for regularisation, Such glaring violations were brought to the limelight by the high court-appointed monitoring committee.

A comprehensive fire safety management plan by inter-departmental coordination and community participation by the CMDA for select central business districts of the city and an exclusive plan for T Nagar has not taken off in three years.  In 2008 and 20018 after fire accidents involving commercial establishments in Vepery and T Nagar the plan was initiated.

Anshul Mishra, CMDA member secretary told TOI along with the DFRS review on these buildings will be conducted regarding fire safety. “Preparing the comprehensive fire safety management plan for commercial business centers will also be implemented,” he added.

Secretary of T Nagar Residents Welfare Association, B Kannan said “The issue with commercial establishments is small concrete structures mushrooming on the setback space causing inconvenience for fire tenders approaching the buildings to put out the fire.”

Urban Development and housing chairman, S Sridharan, CREDAI National said the need of the hour is to train maintenance personnel in residential and commercial complexes on fire safety. He said “This apart, occupants should also be trained in using fire safety equipment. It is crucial because the metropolis is experiencing massive vertical growth.”