76 hotels, 6 hospitals in Gaya do not meet fire safety norms

Gaya: A fire safety audit conducted by the fire department has revealed that 76 hotels and six hospitals in Gaya district do not meet the minimum fire safety requirements. In addition, 42 hospitals and hotels were found to be ignoring even basic fire safety norms.District fire officer Aman Kumar Sinha at a press meet on Tuesday said, “Following the instructions from state govt after the fire incident at a hospital in Muzaffarpur recently, fire safety audits have so far been carried out at 73 hospitals, 86 hotels and 151 coaching institutes across the district.”“Notices have been issued to all the institutions, which lack compliance of the fire safety norms directing them to rectify deficiencies within one week. The establishments have been asked to ensure availability and proper functioning of essential fire safety equipment, including fire extinguishers, emergency exits, fire alarm systems and adequate water supply arrangements.”“A follow-up inspection will be conducted after the deadline, and establishments found violating norms may face measures, including sealing of premises or even attachment of property,” he said.“In the next phase, fire safety audits will be conducted in apartments, gas agencies, fuel stations, cinema halls and other high-footfall establishments. Regular inspections would be conducted at places with heavy public movement and a higher risk of fire incidents,” he added.