2 days Ago By Alim Shaikh
Pune: Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation has written to over 600 private schools and colleges in the city, asking them to comply with fire safety norms and obtain an NOC from the fire department within two weeks. A senior PCMC official said that the owners of these establishments were told to carry out a fire audit of their structures, and those who fail to take appropriate steps will be served notices. The civic body, from the current financial year (2024-25), made it mandatory for schools and colleges to get an NOC from the fire department to avoid any untoward incidents.
"The owners of these establishments can get their fire safety audit done by private or govt-recognised fire licence agencies, and they should submit Form ‘A' and Form ‘B' of the audit to the PCMC's fire department while applying for the NOC. Our teams will physically inspect the fire safety measures," a senior PCMC official said. The civic body had initiated a similar process for the city's private hospitals and clinics.
A total of 438 such establishments were served notices after they failed to comply with the fire safety norms. The civic officials said that the PCMC's health department will not renew the licence of clinics and hospitals without a fire NOC. The municipal officials said that they will soon initiate a similar drive for the city hotels and restaurants as well.
Last year, the fire brigade department conducted a fire safety survey of 43,925 commercial and industrial establishments such as schools, hospitals, and shops, and it was revealed that almost all were lacking in adequate fire safety measures. This prompted the fire department to initiate steps to improve fire safety in the city. A PCMC official said that most of CBSE schools may have already conducted their fire safety audit as per the affiliation rules.
However, there is no such system for schools affiliated to the state board and private colleges. He said that fire safety norms were made stricter after 2005, and many old structures built before that or their design do not match the new guidelines. "During the fire safety audit, the evacuation plans like emergency exits or other options are also checked.
Besides, for schools and colleges, the safety net in some sections is important," the official said. Explore the yearly horoscope 2025 for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces zodiac signs. Spread love this holiday season with these New Year wishes , messages and quotes .
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