Noida mall tragedy leads to safety review in Gurugram
Sumedha Sharma
Gurugram, March 5
In response to the tragic incidents at Greater Noida and Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, the Gurugram administration has instructed all city malls to undertake a thorough security audit.
Accountable for consumer safety
Malls are accountable for consumer safety. They must conduct thorough security and safety audits of their entire infrastructure and building premises, including roofs and firefighting equipment . — Nishant Yadav, deputy commissioner
Deputy Commissioner Nishant Yadav has instructed over 20 malls in the city to review the safety of infrastructure elements such as elevators, escalators and grills, as well as conduct structural assessments of false ceilings and parking roofs.
Mall authorities have been instructed to promptly submit an action taken report on these measures. “Malls are accountable for consumer safety. They must conduct thorough security and safety audits of their entire infrastructure and building premises, including roofs and firefighting equipment,” stated Yadav.
Sources suggest that surprise inspections are being planned, as many malls have allegedly violated building plans by leasing out common areas like atriums and parking spaces to various tenants. Additionally, numerous fire exits are reportedly blocked and food courts are operating beyond capacity, prompting complaints from consumer groups.
Meanwhile, accusing the authorities at Galaxy Blue Sapphire Mall in Greater Noida West and local administration of indifference, families of the two victims who lost their lives in the iron grill accident staged a protest on Tuesday. They demanded accountability, urging the arrest of mall owners for negligence and the closure of the establishment.
Residents also joined the protest, questioning the swift dismissal of the incident as an accident and expressing concern over the insensitivity displayed by the mall’s continued operations near the accident site. Rajendra Bhati, father of deceased Harendra Bhati, led the protest, seeking justice for his son and his employee Shakeel.
In response, the local police, under the directive of Gautam Buddha Nagar’s police commissioner Laxmi Singh, initiated a comprehensive audit of the mall premises to identify culpability and prevent future incidents.
An FIR has been lodged against key figures of the Galaxy Group, although arrests are pending.
Additionally, a technical committee led by Atul Kumar, Additional District Magistrate (Finance), has launched a preliminary investigation to assess the structural integrity of the building, ensuring the safety of patrons and staff.
