In a decisive move to enforce public safety, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) in Kochi has mandated the immediate shutdown of a dozen commercial establishments operating within the bustling Methar Bazaar. The action comes after these shops were found to be in severe violation of mandated safety standards, posing a significant risk to the trading hub.
Inspection Uncovers Critical Safety Lapses
The crackdown followed a detailed joint inspection conducted on December 17 and December 20. A team comprising officials from the DDMA, Fire and Rescue Department, Electrical Inspectorate, and other relevant departments surveyed the market. The findings were alarming. Inspectors discovered that numerous shops were operating without basic fire safety systems. Furthermore, critical safety devices like Earth Leakage Circuit Breakers (ELCB) were either absent or non-functional. Adding to the hazard, several establishments were found to be handling flammable materials in a careless and unsafe manner.
Grace Period Ignored, Legal Action Initiated
Post-inspection, the sub-collector had granted the identified shops a three-day period to rectify the glaring deficiencies. However, the 12 establishments failed to comply with the directive within the stipulated time. Consequently, the DDMA has now invoked Section 33 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, authorizing the Kochi Corporation to halt their operations. The shops will remain sealed until they obtain and present the necessary safety certificates from both the Fire and Rescue Department and the Electrical Inspectorate.
The list of establishments facing closure is as follows:
- Linda Home Decor
- Fine Paper Mart
- Top Dolls
- New Light Center
- Popular Law House
- New Union Ladies Stores
- Jayan Paper Mart
- C C Uthup
- Union Variety Stores
- Novelty
- Alpha Gold Covering
- Rose Selection
Strict Measures and Future Compliance
The DDMA's order is not limited to a temporary closure. The Kochi Corporation has also been instructed to consider revoking the trade licences of the non-compliant shops, a move that could have permanent business implications. Corporation authorities have been given 48 hours to submit a detailed action report on the implementation of the order.
This stern action underscores the authorities' zero-tolerance approach towards safety negligence in crowded commercial spaces. The affected shops can only resume operations after completing all required safety arrangements and presenting the necessary clearance certificates to the concerned departments, ensuring Methar Bazaar becomes a safer place for traders and customers alike.
