How fire-safe are high rises in Ahmedabad, asks court

A division bench comprising chief justice Bhaskar Bhattacharya and justice JB Pardiwala on Thursday directed the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) to submit a status report by April 26, 2012 with regards to installation of fire prevention and protection system in high rise buildings in the corporation and Auda limits.

The court issued the directions while hearing a Public Interest Litigation filed to know the steps taken by the concerned authorities to ensure adequate fire protection and safety systems in high rise buildings in Ahmedabad.

Appearing for the petitioner, lawyer Amit Panchal highlighted recent media reports about a fire close to a high rise building which did not have adequate fire safety measures. He talked of the lack of infrastructure, staff, vacant posts and equipment in the fire and emergency services of the city.

The petition further said at present Ahmedabad has 12 fire stations of which two lack residential quarters. It also stated that despite proposals to increase fire stations, no action has been taken for the proposed six fire stations. It further stated that of the 1,300 high rise buildings here, 900 lack adequate fire prevention and protection systems, yet no action has been taken.