Chandigarh, May 12:- In a proactive initiative to strengthen fire prevention measures and ensure public safety, the Fire and Rescue Services wing of the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh conducted a special inspection drive at various LPG godowns across the city under the supervision of Dr. Inderjeet, Joint Commissioner-cum-Chief Fire Officer.

The drive aimed at assessing compliance with prescribed fire safety norms and identifying deficiencies that could pose potential fire hazards in establishments dealing with highly inflammable materials.

During the inspections, the fire safety teams carried out a detailed examination of firefighting arrangements, including the availability and operational condition of fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment, emergency exit routes, storage practices for LPG cylinders, electrical safety measures, accessibility for emergency response vehicles, and overall adherence to mandatory fire safety standards. The inspection teams also verified the status of compulsory Fire Safety Certificates required for operating such hazardous establishments.

As part of the awareness and preparedness initiative, officers of the Fire and Rescue Services imparted practical training to workers and staff deployed at the LPG godowns regarding the proper operation and use of firefighting equipment. The staff members were also sensitized about emergency response procedures, evacuation protocols, and essential precautions necessary to minimize fire risks at LPG storage facilities.

Expressing serious concern over irregularities noticed during the inspections, Dr. Inderjeet stated that several LPG godowns were found functioning without adequate fire safety arrangements and without obtaining mandatory Fire Safety Certificates from the competent authority. He emphasized that such negligence not only violates statutory provisions but also poses a grave threat to human life, public property, and the safety of nearby residential and commercial areas.

He directed the concerned Station Fire Officers to ensure that all shortcomings are rectified by the owners and operators within the stipulated timeframe. He further warned that strict action under the relevant provisions of law would be initiated against establishments failing to comply with prescribed fire safety norms.

Reiterating its commitment towards safeguarding public life and property, the Fire and Rescue Services, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh appealed to all commercial establishments dealing with flammable and hazardous materials to strictly adhere to fire prevention measures and maintain robust life safety standards in the larger public interest.