In the wake of today’s fire at a market complex in Bhubaneswar, Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg convened an urgent high-level review meeting at Lok Seva Bhavan to strengthen fire safety preparedness across the state.
The Chief Secretary directed all concerned departments to launch immediate and widespread Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaigns to educate the public on fire prevention and safety. She stressed that every citizen must remain vigilant, strictly follow safety norms, and report hazards promptly.
Senior officials present included Additional Chief Secretary (Home, Industries, Information & Public Relations) Hemant Sharma, Director General of Fire Services Dr Sudhansu Sarangi, and Additional Chief Secretary (Urban Development) Smt. Usha Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary (Power, Electronics & IT), Vishal Kumar Dev, and Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Commissioner Chanchal Rana, along with other senior departmental officers.
Key decisions taken at the meeting:
- All commercial establishments, housing societies, and large buildings must obtain and maintain valid fire safety certificates (NOCs) as per guidelines.
- Every organisation is required to appoint a fire supervisor from its staff or HR team; these supervisors will receive specialised training from the Fire Services Department.
- Regular electrical audits of buildings have been made mandatory to prevent short-circuit fires.
- A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be jointly prepared by the Fire Services, Public Works, and Electricity Departments for coordinated emergency response.
- A massive public awareness campaign will be rolled out through TV, radio, and social media, with active participation of Civil Defence volunteers.
Dr Sudhansu Sarangi urged citizens to immediately dial the toll-free emergency number 112 in any fire or disaster situation, as it connects callers instantly to fire, police, medical, and other rescue services.
Looking ahead to the upcoming Rath Yatra, the Chief Secretary ordered special fire-safety inspection drives in Puri, focusing on hotels and crowded areas.
The government reiterated that fire safety is a collective responsibility and called upon every citizen, business owner, and housing society to strictly comply with safety norms to protect lives and property.
