Expired fire extinguishers at Bathinda District Complex raise safety concerns

The District Administrative Complex (DAC) in Bathinda has been functioning with expired fire extinguishers for more than two months, raising concerns over fire safety and emergency preparedness.

During a visit to the DAC on Friday, it was found that the extinguishers had expired at the end of April. Even last year, these fire extinguishers were refilled nearly four months after they had expired in January.

The issue is significant as the DAC houses the offices of several senior officers, including the Deputy Commissioner (DC), Additional Deputy Commissioners (ADCs), Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs), the Deputy Inspector General (DIG), the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), several Superintendents of Police (SPs), Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) and various other government departments.

Notably, a large number of people come here daily. Responding to the issue, Bathinda SDM Amandeep Singh Mavi said, "The money has been released and the process of refilling the fire extinguishers has started. All the extinguishers at the DAC will be refilled within the next two to three days." Meanwhile, sources said the refilling of the fire extinguishers had been delayed due to lack of funds.