Gurgaon: A short circuit in an air-conditioning unit triggered a fire scare at the GMDA office in Sector 44 on Tuesday, leading to the temporary evacuation of the building that houses the city's integrated control and command centre (ICCC). The incident occurred in the afternoon, prompting swift action from staff and emergency services.
Incident Details
According to GMDA officials, smoke was detected on the first floor of the building around 3:30 pm, prompting employees to vacate the premises as a precautionary measure. “Staff present at the ICCC noticed the smoke immediately after the AC unit developed a short circuit. The issue was contained before it could escalate, and the fire department was also informed,” an official said.
Response and Containment
Fire department teams rushed to the spot after receiving information about the incident. “We received the call around 3:32 pm and fire tenders remained at the spot for nearly an hour. The damage was limited to the AC unit and controlled before it could spread further. There was no casualty or major damage to property,” fire officer Narender Singh said.
As a precautionary measure, electricity supply to the affected area was disconnected, and the office was temporarily vacated. Officials noted that the smoke remained confined to the first floor while the rest of the building was unaffected.
Restoration and Impact
Operations at the command centre were restored by 9:30 pm, and no major damage to equipment or infrastructure was reported. Further assessment of the affected area is underway. The ICCC functions as the city's central monitoring hub, overseeing surveillance of roads, traffic intersections, and key junctions through cameras and smart systems.
This incident highlights the importance of regular maintenance and safety protocols in critical infrastructure. The quick response by staff and fire services ensured minimal disruption and prevented any potential escalation.
