In a major revelation, it has been noticed that the majority of cinemas in the city lack security systems as per the norms stipulated by the National Building Code.
The issue came to the notice of Fire and Rescue officials after they conducted inspections in some of the theatres (names not disclosed) in the city following instructions of the state government. The inspection will continue for a week.The government had directed the officials to conduct fire safety checks in buildings, including hospitals and apartments.
Based on the information received from the 17 subordinate offices across the district, the head office has informed that the majority of the theatres have not adhered to the norms.
National Building Code
As per the National Building Code, every theatre should install sprinkler system and fire hydrant systems.
The systems are designed for the suppression of fire and are mandatory for theatres, malls, industries, airports and factories.
The 17 Fire and Rescue offices in the city will conduct individual inspections in their respective regions.
According to divisional officer Joe Kuruvila Ishaw, it was found that many theatres lack the security measures. “As per our initial inspection the theatres have only extinguishers and the sand buckets. They are not adequate to avert any major fire outbreak inside the theatres. We have given notices to many theatres to upgrade the security system,” he said.
He also said that the report of the week-long inspection will be sent to the Central Government.
Suresh Shenoy, a theatre owner, said the norms to install the fire hydrant systems are only applicable to new buildings. “So it is not mandatory for us to follow the system. Even we have been directed by the Fire and Rescue officials,” he said.
Sounding Alarm
➤ As per the National Building Code, every theatre should install sprinkler system and fire hydrant systems in theatres.
➤ In case of fire, the systems will disseminate alarm and also will spray water automatically.
➤ The theatres have only extinguishers and sand buckets, which is not adequate to avert a major fire.
➤ The fire hydrant system became mandatory only after 2005.
➤Theatre owners say that the norms to install the hydrant systems are only applicable to the new buildings.