After Goa nightclub blaze, Delhi sees citywide drive to ensure compliance of fire safety norms | Delhi News
Ahead of the celebration for Christmas and New Year’s, the Delhi Fire Service (DFS) has started a citywide inspection drive to ensure compliance at restaurants, hotels, clubs and pubs, the Delhi government said on Thursday. So far, five establishments have been closed over violations, officials added.
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According to the Home department, a total of 74 premises were inspected till Wednesday. Of these, 45 establishments were found to be following the fire safety norms while 24 were found to be non-compliant and were issued notices.
Officials said directions were issued to close five establishments due to what they described as “serious violations” of prescribed safety standards.
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These checks come more than a week after a massive fire at a Goa nightclub killed 25 people on December 6. The inspection drive is being carried out by the DFS under Rule 33 of the Delhi Fire Service Rules, 2010.
Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood said the inspections were initiated in view of increased footfall at hospitality and entertainment venues during the festive season. “Safety of Delhi’s residents is of utmost priority. With increased public footfall in restaurants, hotels and clubs during the festive season, strict adherence to fire safety norms becomes essential,” Sood said.
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Referring to the Goa incident, the Minister said the Delhi government has taken “prompt cognisance” of the risks involved at such places and initiated intensive checks across the Capital.
“Taking cognisance of a recent tragic incident at a night club in Goa, the Delhi government has initiated prompt and intensive inspections of fire safety equipment in hotels, restaurants and similar establishments,” he said.
Officials said the checks include verification of firefighting equipment, accessibility to emergency exits, and compliance with building by-laws related to fire prevention and safety.
