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The Nabadiganta Industrial Township Authority (NDITA) has announced a comprehensive fire safety audit of around 250 office buildings in Kolkata's Sector V, following recent fire incidents and safety violations. Sector V, home to over 1,500 companies and nearly two lakh employees, has seen rising concerns over fire preparedness. Nine rooftop restaurants were recently served stop-operation notices for major compliance lapses. The audit will assess fire systems, road access, and evacuation routes, with a focus on removing encroachments and improving fire tender mobility. To ease roadside parking, NDITA will build a second multi-storey parking plaza near Philips More, accommodating over 700 vehicles by next year.
The Nabadiganta Industrial Township Authority (NDITA) has announced plans to undertake a thorough fire safety audit of around 250 office buildings located in Kolkata's Sector V. This decision comes in the wake of recent fire incidents and the discovery of safety violations in several establishments within and around the city. Advertisement
Sector V, a prominent IT hub, houses approximately 1,500 companies and employs nearly two lakh individuals. While fire audits have been conducted regularly, the authorities have decided to intensify inspections to identify and address any existing fire safety lapses. Last year, audits were carried out in 204 buildings, with findings shared with each building owner for compliance.
Recently, NDITA issued stop-operation notices to nine rooftop restaurants in the IT township due to significant anomalies in fire safety and compliance measures. These actions underscore the authority's commitment to enforcing fire safety norms and ensuring the well-being of occupants.
The upcoming intensive fire audit will involve a comprehensive assessment of existing fire safety installations, identification of any shortcomings, and recommendations for necessary enhancements. Special attention will be given to evaluating the current state of roads, as many stretches have been narrowed due to vehicle parking and encroachments by stalls on both sides. Such obstructions hinder the movement of fire tenders during emergencies, posing significant risks.
Notably, congested areas have been identified on stretches connecting Godrej Waterside to College More, along Webel More, and internal roads near RDB Boulevard Mall. To facilitate the easy movement of fire tenders, officials are working on plans to minimise roadside parking by developing alternative arrangements.
Kalyan Kar, Vice President of the Sector V Stakeholders Association, emphasised the necessity of these audits, stating that comprehensive fire audits are essential as footfall has increased manifold, with nearly two lakh employees working in the area.
In line with these efforts, NDITA is also planning to construct a second multi-storey parking plaza in Sector V to ease fire tender movement and reduce roadside parking. The new facility, expected to accommodate over 700 vehicles, will be built near Philips More on a one-acre plot and is slated to be operational by the end of next year.
As the fire safety audit progresses, building owners and occupants are expected to cooperate fully with the authorities to implement the recommended safety measures. The collective effort is crucial in fostering a safer working environment in Sector V.
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