Chandigarh civic body building without fire safety certificate

The Municipal Corporation, which carries out fire safety drives in buildings across the city from time to time, has failed to get the fire safety certificate for its own office building in Sector 17. This fact came to light after MC officials responded to questions put up by Ram Chander Yadav, councillor of Ward No. 15.

Yadav had asked various questions regarding fire safety arrangements in the five-storey MC office building and a leading school of the city.

On the question regarding the certificate issued to Vivek high School, Sector 38, the officials said the certificate was issued to the school in 2019. As far as its present status is concerned, discrepancies have been conveyed to the school authorities.

Yadav had asked the civic body for information whether the Chief Fire Officer had issued a fire safety certificate to the MC building. The reply came in only one sentence — the application for the certificate is under process.

Yadav said no details were given by the MC with regard to the reason for non-issuance of the fire safety certificate so far and shortcomings in the building, if any. He said the reply contained no information regarding his question about the number of fire extinguishers installed in the corporation’s building. The MC evaded a direct answer saying that the issue pertained to the Engineering Department and a copy of his letter had been sent to the MC Chief Engineer.

As per Section 18 of the Fire Safety Act, the owner of a building has to submit his or her application for the certificate to the Chief Fire Officer. On receipt of the application under sub-section (1), the officer concerned scrutinises it and inspects the building for compliance with firefighting guidelines.

Meanwhile, Dr Inderjeet Singh, Chief Fire Officer, said there was some issue regarding a portion of the MC building. However, all firefighting arrangements had been made in the building. The certificate will be issued soon, he added.