New Delhi, Jan 23 (KNN) After razing two upmarket restaurants in Kamla mill compound located in India’s financial capital Mumbai last month, the fire turned to the political capital New Delhi killing more than a dozen labourers in Bawana industrial area. 

Clearly, whether it is the manufacturing units or service or commercial enterprises, the administration of Fire management seems to be in serious trouble.

“The Fire management administration is in shambles across the nation and poses a serious threat to life and assets,” says Anil Bhardwaj, Secretary General of Federation of Indian Micro and Small & Medium Enterprises (FISME).

Unfortunately, the fire departments dither issuing NOCs as in case of fire the onus comes to them: they would rather encourage people to run their establishments without NOC.   Keeping the status quo and turning the blind eye serves all.

Shortage of trained fire experts in the Fire department who can inspect at site compounds this problem.  

After the blaze that killed several people in a cracker factory in Bawana, Prakash Chand Jain of Bawana Chambers of Industries alleged that it was a moot question how the factory was running without permission of the Fire department and also asked why did they not deny or issue NOC.

According to FISME, the solution lies in developing a cadre of qualified fire management experts who can hand-hold and certify compliance of fire safety provisions and can conduct audits like Chartered Accountants or Chartered Engineers.

At present, there is nobody to guide you about compliance requirements. Most public and private building including schools and hospitals stand to fail a Fire safety test.  

An established entrepreneur who refused to be identified asked who would like his business to be ruined by fire but fire and pollution are twin challenges which MSMEs cannot handle on their own. They need affordable and effective consultants which currently India does not have. 

Some MSME owners also pointed to the nexus of Fire department and fire fighting equipment where the department insists on installing the equipment of a particular make which would be more expensive than the other similar brands. (KNN/ AB)