Fire hazards It is any wonder that fire safety is not a precondition to occupancy certificates?. Whether fire insurance policy is to be made compulsory for permissions before granting occupancy?. Is there any regulations for old structures to be brought under existing fire safety regulations or are they beyond purview of such necessities? Fire extinguisher installed in places are decorative, ornamental pieces to beat the law requirement only. Their use and ready worthiness is at best a speculative and remain untested for years. There should be smoke detectors in all buildings that set off alarms at the earliest, so that precautions can be contemplated to avoid damage on the scale that is deplorable and devasttating., No buildings in India whether high-rise or otherwise have alternative scape staircases in fire emergencies. Such a practice is common in western societies that helps people not be trapped. Insurance firms do not normally write off policies due to electric fires, which are the major causes of devastating damages. In case of outbreak of fires. Many a times the fire engines have no easy access to the site., Water hydrants are not planned at regular intervals and those that exist are dry and non functional and not tested for readiness. Constructions do not factor such requirements of access of fire brigades. Fire stations, personnel, fire brigades needed to cope up with emergencies are far less than meets the eye, when construction industry is multiplied by leaps and bounds. Construction materials also need to be fire retardant. The investment in such services is considered as luxuries and whatever is available is a trickle of the demand. It is only when catastrophe strikes, we are awaken about the dangers and loss of life and property. It is in the best interests of occupants to revamp electric wiring after a lapse of time, Unless and until the regulation in this respect is made mandatory, everything is left to chance. Why the electric connections to the establishments after business hours are not disconnected? It may be necessary to conduct mock drills of fire safety occasionally, but frequently to test the preparedness in emergencies The incident at Panjim bus stop will not be first or the last
Nelson Lopes Chinchinim