Pune: An ongoing survey conducted by the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has brought to light significant fire safety issues plaguing commercial establishments across the twin cities. Out of the 43,925 establishments surveyed so far, including hospitals, educational institutes, shops, and industrial units, almost all of them were found to lack compliance with fire safety regulations.
The twin cities have over 75,000 registered commercial establishments within the PCMC limits. The civic body initiated the fire safety survey of these properties in October of the previous year.
A senior officer of PCMC revealed, “Almost all commercial establishments surveyed till now lack compliance with some or the other fire safety rule. We have sent text messages to all the owners and occupiers of these establishments, urging them to provide updated information using the link provided in our communication. We have also identified around 700 establishments where the survey teams were denied entry, and appropriate action will be initiated against them.”
The recent fire incident at an illegal candle manufacturing factory in Talawade, resulting in the tragic loss of 14 lives, has brought added urgency to the fire safety initiative.
PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh emphasized, “The safety of our citizens is our topmost priority. We cannot afford to overlook lapses in fire prevention measures. The text messages serve as a reminder to ensure that all establishments adhere to the necessary safety standards.”
Pradeep Jambhale Patil, Additional Commissioner of PCMC, expressed concern about the sheer number of establishments with inadequate fire safety measures. He stated, “We are committed to creating a safer environment for all. This reminder is a necessary step to rectify existing gaps in overall fire safety.”
