SGCCI Hosts Fire Safety Seminar After Shiv Shakti Textile Market Blaze

Surat : Surat, India’s textile hub, recently witnessed a massive fire at the Shiv Shakti Textile Market on Ring Road, resulting in losses worth crores of rupees. To prevent such disasters in the future, the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) organized a seminar titled ‘Fire Safety and Risk Mitigation’ to guide traders and businessmen on fire prevention measures.

The seminar was attended by Deputy Chief Fire Officer of Surat Municipal Corporation, Prakash Hedau, as the chief guest. Addressing the entrepreneurs and traders, he emphasized the importance of installing quality ABC-type fire extinguishers in shops and ensuring proper ventilation. Hedau urged business owners to comply with fire safety norms, avoid using flammable decorative materials, and consult certified experts before making investments in buildings.

SGCCI President Vijay Mewawala highlighted the significance of fire safety in Surat’s bustling textile sector. “The recent fire incident in Shiv Shakti Market has not only shaken the business community but also the entire industry. It is a wake-up call for everyone to take necessary precautions. With lakhs of shops and crores of people connected to the trade, ensuring fire safety is crucial for the industry’s growth and national development,” he said.

Speaker L.K. Dungarani provided key recommendations for fire prevention, emphasizing the mandatory installation of Earth Leakage Circuit Breakers (ELCB) and Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCB) in every shop. He also stressed the need for conducting electrical audits and using ISI-marked seamless LSHS cables to prevent electrical hazards. “Fire detection devices should be installed in shops and linked to mobile phones to provide real-time alerts. In case of an emergency, CO2 and ABC-type fire extinguishers should be readily available to control the fire at an initial stage,” he advised.

Hedau also raised concerns about shop owners who turn off smoke detection systems, warning that these devices should be kept operational at all times to detect fires before they escalate. Citing the recent Shiv Shakti Market fire, he noted that in emergencies, the fire brigade plays a crucial role in safeguarding lives and property, and urged traders to cooperate with firefighting teams.

To enhance fire preparedness, Dungarani suggested the installation of automatic sprinkler systems and hose reels in every shop. He recommended calculating the fire load of fabrics through hydraulic analysis and maintaining a high-quality fire suppression system. “Every business establishment should have at least three trained fire safety personnel on duty round-the-clock to ensure immediate action in case of an emergency,” he said.