Kochi RTI Activist Demands Safety Inspections After Broadway Fire
An RTI activist in Kochi has taken action following a recent fire at Broadway. He lodged a petition demanding immediate inspections by various departments. These include the KSEB, fire force, and Kochi Corporation.
Concerns Over Shop Permissions
RTI activist T N Prathapan raised serious concerns. He pointed out that shops damaged in the Ernakulam Broadway fire received permission to renovate and reopen. "Similarly, authorities will grant approval to nearby shops too," he stated.
Prathapan emphasized the need for a permanent solution. He referenced frequent fires in Kozhikode, which occurred four or five times a month. Kochi must prevent such incidents, he argued.
Allegations of Unlicensed Operations
Prathapan alleged that many shops at Broadway operate without proper licences. Corporation officials are not investigating this issue thoroughly, he claimed.
He highlighted a past report from four years ago. It revealed that 113 out of 114 newly opened shops at Broadway lacked licences. "Yet no action has been taken so far," he stated in his complaint.
Call for Strict Compliance
The activist submitted his complaint to officials of Kochi Corporation and KSEB. He insisted that the Corporation should only grant permission to establishments after they obtain no-objection certificates from all relevant departments.
"I suspect that many businesses operating here may not have licences," Prathapan said. He added that it is unclear if these businesses comply with all regulations.
Safety Measures and Inspections
Prathapan expressed concerns about the building that provided electricity connections to the fire-damaged structure. He noted it lacks proper safety measures.
He called for urgent inspections to check if electrical connections on all floors are working safely. Similar inspections should cover other shops to ensure overall safety, he urged.
Prathapan stressed that Kochi Corporation, the electricity board, electrical inspectorate, and fire force must work together. They need to ensure all businesses in the area are properly authorised and safe.
