Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed a comprehensive fire safety audit of hospitals, coaching centres, malls, hotels, and other commercial and public-use buildings across the state, following a high-level review meeting at the state Secretariat.
The directive comes in the wake of a major fire incident at a commercial building in Lucknow that claimed 15 lives. Officials said the Chief Minister has ordered immediate inspections to ensure strict compliance with fire safety norms and to prevent similar tragedies in Uttarakhand.
CM Dhami stressed that public safety remains a top priority for the state government and warned that any negligence in maintaining fire safety standards will not be tolerated. He instructed officials to identify buildings that do not meet prescribed safety requirements and take prompt corrective action.
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The Chief Minister further directed that the audit must include a detailed assessment of fire-fighting equipment, electrical safety systems, emergency exits, and evacuation preparedness. He also emphasised that all facilities must be capable of ensuring swift and safe evacuation in case of emergencies.
Officials have been asked to complete the audit within a fixed timeframe through coordinated efforts between the Fire Services Department, district administrations, and other relevant agencies. The review meeting was attended by senior officials, including representatives from temple trusts, security agencies, and administrative departments.
Similar inspection drives are already being conducted in several parts of the country, including coaching centres and commercial establishments, as authorities step up safety checks following recent fire-related incidents. Local administrations have also been instructed to engage with institutions and residents to ensure awareness and compliance, with strict action planned against violations.
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