A devastating fire that broke out at a commercial complex near Park Street on Thursday has once again underscored the critical need for stringent fire safety measures in Kolkata’s bustling commercial districts. The blaze, which originated on the rooftop of the Park Centre building in the Mechhua area, has raised serious concerns about the safety standards of buildings undergoing renovations without proper oversight.
The Incident
The fire erupted around 3:15 PM, sending thick plumes of smoke billowing into the sky and prompting immediate evacuations. Firefighters rushed to the scene, battling the flames for several hours before bringing them under control. While no fatalities were reported, several individuals sustained injuries due to smoke inhalation and were treated at nearby hospitals.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire may have been caused by electrical faults in the unlicensed rooftop restaurant, which was undergoing unauthorized renovations. The presence of flammable materials and the lack of proper fire safety measures exacerbated the situation.
Renovation Without Oversight
The building’s management had initiated renovations on the rooftop without obtaining the necessary permits from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) or the Fire and Emergency Services Department. Such unauthorized construction not only violates municipal regulations but also poses significant risks to the safety of occupants and neighboring structures.
Experts have long warned about the dangers of unregulated renovations in densely populated commercial areas. “Unauthorized renovations often bypass safety checks, leading to compromised structural integrity and inadequate fire safety provisions,” said an urban planning expert.
A Pattern of Neglect
This incident is not an isolated case. Kolkata has witnessed several fire-related accidents in commercial buildings over the past few years, many of which were linked to unauthorized renovations and lack of adherence to fire safety norms. In 2022, a fire at a commercial complex in Burrabazar was traced back to illegal electrical work, highlighting the recurring issue of safety violations in the city’s commercial sector.
Despite these incidents, enforcement of fire safety regulations remains lax, and many building owners continue to flout safety norms without facing significant consequences.
Government Response
In the wake of the Park Street fire, the KMC has announced plans to conduct a comprehensive audit of all commercial buildings in the area to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations. The audit will focus on verifying the existence of fire licenses, assessing the adequacy of fire safety measures, and identifying unauthorized renovations.
“We are committed to ensuring the safety of all residents and businesses in the city. This audit will help us identify and rectify any lapses in fire safety compliance,” said a KMC official.
Additionally, the Fire and Emergency Services Department has pledged to increase inspections and impose stricter penalties on establishments found violating fire safety norms.
The Need for Systemic Reform
While these measures are a step in the right direction, experts argue that a more systemic approach is needed to address the root causes of fire safety violations. This includes streamlining the approval process for renovations, enhancing public awareness about fire safety, and implementing stricter penalties for non-compliance.
“Fire safety should be integrated into the planning and construction phases of buildings, not treated as an afterthought,” said a fire safety consultant. “Only then can we hope to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.”
Conclusion
The Park Street fire serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive fire safety reforms in Kolkata’s commercial sector. While immediate actions are being taken to address the current situation, long-term solutions require a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including government authorities, building owners, and the public, to ensure that such incidents do not recur.
