Bhubaneswar: In response to a series of recent fire incidents across the state, including the devastating blaze at SCB Medical College and Hospital in March that claimed 12 lives, the Public Works Department (PWD) has mandated strict adherence to safety norms in all public buildings. The department has instructed engineers and architects to treat compliance as a top priority.
Strict Compliance Ordered
In a letter, Engineer-in-Chief Lakshmi Kanta Padhi emphasized that integrating comprehensive fire-safety provisions in public infrastructure requires renewed focus and technical rigor. He directed all field officials, including chief engineers and chief architects, to ensure every public building project under their jurisdiction strictly conforms to prescribed fire-prevention and life-safety standards.
Key Requirements for New Buildings
The instruction states: "All new building proposals must incorporate comprehensive provisions for fire detection, alarm systems, fire-fighting installations, safe evacuation routes, and access for fire services." The department has made it clear that no building plan should be approved without due vetting of fire-safety provisions by the competent authority. Necessary clearances from fire services authorities must be obtained before commencement of work.
Zero Tolerance for Deviations
Emphasizing zero tolerance for deviations, Padhi warned that execution of works must strictly adhere to approved fire-safety designs and specifications. "Any deviation shall be viewed seriously and require prior approval of the competent authority," he stated.
Assessment of Existing Buildings
The department has also ordered a comprehensive assessment of all existing public buildings to identify gaps in fire and life-safety compliance. Retrofitting and upgrade measures are to be taken on priority, especially in high-occupancy and critical buildings such as hospitals, educational institutions, and offices in strategic areas.
Maintenance of Fire Safety Systems
All fire-safety systems—including hydrants, sprinklers, alarms, and extinguishers—must be kept in functional condition at all times through periodic inspection, testing, and maintenance. Field officials are required to submit compliance status reports on existing buildings to the department at regular intervals without fail.
Padhi further directed regular monitoring by chief construction engineers and underlined that implementation of these instructions should be treated as a top priority by all concerned officials.
Context and Expert Opinion
The directive comes in the wake of frequent fire incidents. In the latest case, an apartment fire at Laxmi Sagar area of the city killed three people, including a minor, although it was a private building. Urban planner Dipu Nanda said, "Fire safety is a critical issue which is ignored by many. This should be held top priority."
