Tragic loss of lives due to fires in buildings constructed in violation of safety norms has become even more frequent these days. Every time such a tragedy takes place, the officials and the media speak of the total disregard for the necessary precautions against fire breakouts. There are no fire exits, fire-fighting equipment is absent or non-functional, staff in restaurants, hotels and other commercial establishments are not trained in evacuation procedures – basically these places are death traps waiting to be sprung.
‘Short circuits’ are often the stated cause for fires. This indicates poor maintenance of facilities and even the lack of knowledge about how these dangers can be prevented. Simple things like not overloading power sockets, ensuring wiring is in good condition, that loose live wires are not ignored are overlooked by owners, managers and maintenance staff. There are many reasons for this, but the lack of maintenance culture is one. Taking care of such matters is for menial workers – those higher on the food chain do not have the time or the inclination. As for ‘dynamic’ maintenance – anticipating and taking preventive measures against possible problems is too difficult a concept to understand and implement.
While they may be directly responsible, the blame falls not so much on the owners of such properties. In India, particularly, these are persons whose businesses have grown incrementally – a dhaba owner finds that customers are increasing and creates more space. Other facilities are added on and merely coping with every day management takes up all of his or her time and energy. It is not as if it is a hotel or restaurant that was designed and constructed according to a plan. As for knowing what regulations are to be followed, they have barely a clue.
This is where officialdom comes in. There is a point when a property growing in this evolving manner should be noticed by those entrusted with enforcement of fire regulations, civic rules, and other mandatory procedures. Instead, those in the field look the other way in exchange for bribes. This becomes the primary objective rather than performing the tasks that are their responsibility. If they were to intervene at the time they should, it would be ensured that any development would be according to the rules. As such, whenever a tragedy occurs, due to fire or building collapse, etc., those in charge of enforcing regulations should also be taken to task – and quite severely at that. If higher officials have also been on the take, they too should face the consequences. Otherwise, as is being seen at present, matters are only going to get worse.
