Mysuru: Karnataka urban development minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah Tuesday ordered a crackdown on hotels, bars and restaurants in Mysuru operating without necessary permits. He directed excise officers to conduct a thorough audit of all such establishments for any lapses.
Deadly Fire Incident Triggers Action
The minister directed the Mysuru deputy commissioner to send a report recommending suspension of the excise deputy commissioner in connection with a restaurant fire incident that left two employees dead on Monday. However, fire officers argued their hands are tied by the law governing fire and emergency services and said they cannot inspect buildings which are less than 21 metres high.
Details of the Fire
The eatery where the fire broke out is on a two-floor-plus-rooftop building on Outer Ring Road in Mysuru. A short circuit is said to have led to the fire incident at the eatery amid allegations that ongoing fabrication works ignited sparks causing fire. While the ground floor has a liquor store with valid licence, the rooftop restaurant has a kitchen and seating area. The first floor is under lock and key, with no visible business activity.
Nearly 15 guests, who were having lunch at the rooftop hotel when the fire broke out around 3pm Monday, had a narrow escape and were hurried down the building's only narrow stairway. Besides the two deceased persons and the guests, the floor had four more hotel staffers, manager and its owner at the time of the accident. Fire officers noted that the building did not have an adequate fire exit plan.
Minister's Directives
In his first visit to Mysuru as a minister, Yathindra directed Mysuru deputy commissioner Lakshmikanth Reddy to submit a comprehensive report detailing all violations committed by the establishment and identify officials responsible for negligence. "No scope for leniency," the minister said.
He met the injured persons and their family members at hospitals. He spoke to chief minister DK Shivakumar about compensation for the families of the dead.
Lapses by Officials
The minister told reporters that the restaurant was operating without clearances. He was upset with excise officials for alleged failure to monitor illegal operations. Fire and emergency service authorities said they lack powers to inspect every building that violates safety norms, claiming their powers are limited.
Regional fire officer CR Ranganath told TOI fire safety certificates are mandatory for buildings above 21 metres high, educational and healthcare centres. Other than these, no commercial buildings or structures require a fire safety certificate. Even they can't voluntarily inspect unless there is a complaint from the public staying nearby, the officer explained.
The officer said the licensing authority has to make it mandatory to obtain a fire safety certificate. "If we receive any request, our team will inspect the premises and issue a report based on fire safety guidelines," he said.
Hotel Owners' Association president C Narayanagowda said the owner of the rooftop restaurant wasn't a member of the association.
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