Rajkot Game Zone Fire : About 150 Establishments, Including 70 Schools reopened 

RAJKOT, GUJARAT : In the wake of the tragic fire incident at TRP Game Zone in Rajkot, the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) has taken proactive measures to ensure the safety of establishments across the city. As part of these efforts, approximately 150 establishments, including 70 schools, have been granted permission to reopen their doors, following stringent adherence to fire safety protocols and the installation of requisite fire equipment.

In compliance with directives issued by the state government subsequent to the Rajkot game zone fire, properties lacking fire No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and Building Use permits (BUs) have been subject to sealing procedures throughout the state.

Assistant Commissioner Swapnil Khare shed light on the ongoing sealing process, citing the government’s mandate to seal properties without fire NOCs. However, Khare clarified that establishments demonstrating compliance by installing fire safety equipment and initiating the process for acquiring fire NOCs are eligible for unsealing. Over the past three days, the RMC has received approximately 150 applications for the unsealing of properties, with a majority of these applications meeting approval criteria.

To oversee the adequacy of fire safety measures, a dedicated committee has been established, empowered to take strict action against illegal structures or encroachments hindering fire safety compliance. Schools, colleges, hotels, restaurants, commercial buildings, and banks are mandated to equip themselves with fire safety apparatus and obtain fire NOCs to ensure compliance with safety standards. Sealed properties are permitted to reopen solely for the purpose of installing fire extinguishers, in accordance with regulatory guidelines.

Highlighting the focus on educational institutions, Khare revealed that out of the approximately 500 private schools within the city, around 60 schools have been sealed, with 10 of them featuring domes. However, efforts are underway to address these concerns, with applications submitted for unsealing to facilitate the installation of fire safety equipment and the removal of domes where necessary. Additionally, private school management boards have established a coordinating committee to liaise with the Corporation and facilitate the supply of fire safety equipment.