Dehradun: A massive fire at a nightclub in Goa killed 25 people, leaving many with severe burns. Nine people from Uttarakhand also lost their lives in the incident. Following the Goa fire, Uttarakhand is on alert for such incidents. The DGP has ordered a fire safety audit of all establishments in the state within the next week.
Uttarakhand Police learns lessons from the Goa nightclub fire: In addition, special emphasis has been placed on strengthening security and operational arrangements along the winter Chardham Yatra routes. Uttarakhand DGP Deepam Seth chaired a high-level review meeting on fire safety audits and crime and law and order in the state via video conferencing on Thursday with senior officers from all districts, including the Garhwal and Kumaon ranges, the Railways, the Special Task Force (STF), and Superintendents of Police.
Instructions for Fire Safety Audits in Establishments: In light of the Goa fire, the Director General of Police (DGP) has issued guidelines regarding fire safety measures to be implemented for public safety in the state. In view of the upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations, all district in-charges have been directed to coordinate with the District Magistrate to conduct comprehensive fire safety audits of all establishments in the state, such as cafes, pubs, bars, restaurants, hotels, banquet halls, event venues, malls, etc., where large crowds gather.
Strict action will be taken for violations: A thorough inspection of the availability, functionality, and adequacy of all fire safety equipment has been ordered. It has been instructed to ensure that all fire hydrants installed in public and commercial areas are fully functional. All sensitive establishments must have adequate firefighting equipment, fire extinguishers, clearly marked emergency exits, and maintain them free of obstructions. Furthermore, orders have been issued to ensure that staff employed in establishments receive periodic firefighting training. The DGP also directed that regular surprise inspections of sensitive establishments be conducted. Strict action should be taken as per the rules if violations are found.
In addition, other key directives were also issued.
- Districts were directed to ensure the safety of pilgrims, crowd management, emergency response, and traffic control during the winter Chardham Yatra.
- Reviewing the special campaigns conducted by headquarters regarding the arrest of wanted accused of serious crimes, the return of prisoners released on parole and bail to prisons, and the confiscation of illegal assets, he directed for further action.
- Pending cases involving commercial volumes under the NDPS Act should be resolved within the stipulated timeframe.
- Action should be taken against professional criminals under the Gangster Act and the NDPS Act to confiscate illegally acquired assets as per the rules.
- In the interest of police personnel, instructions were also given to complete the upcoming departmental promotion process on time.
