BHUBANESWAR: Even as the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack is getting ready to host the ODI between India and England on February 9, the directorate of Fire Services has flagged serious concerns over lack of fire safety measures in the stadium.
In a letter to the additional chief secretary Revenue and Disaster Management department, the directorate said a fire safety inspection carried out in May 2022 had found absence of safety protocols and pointed out critical shortcomings, including absence of fire extinguishers, inadequate emergency exits, lack of a proper evacuation plan, and non-functional hydrant systems. However, even more than two years after the fire safety audit and multiple reminders to the stadium authorities in the past, no substantial action has been taken.
“Despite repeated advice from the directorate, fire safety measures have not been taken by the associations concerned, in control of the complex. Public events are still being held without the fire safety certificate,” the letter stated.
Sources said, the Revenue and Disaster Management (R&DM) department has leased out the land of Barabati stadium in favour of Odisha Olympic Association (OOA), Cuttack, which manages it and organises cricket matches on the ground. The stadium has a capacity to seat more than 45,000 spectators.
The audit has flagged that the buildings, towers or blocks have not been equipped with automatic fire detection, alarm and public address systems. Automatic sprinkler systems have also not been installed in all floors including basements of the buildings, towers and blocks.
The report has also listed out that the conference hall, new pavilion, gallery No-5, Corporate Box, Odisha Olympic Association, IMFA Block and press gallery require additional staircases for safe exit of spectators. While some driveways around each building, tower or block do not have required width, some others have been permanently closed at some places due to erection of brick walls, it noted.
CEO of Odisha Cricket Association Subrat Behera said the state government is taking adequate fire safety measures for the upcoming cricket match.
Structural engineer of the stadium Bishnu Mohapatra said they are aware of the fire directorate’s concerns. The stadium is undergoing complete renovation and the new set up will be equipped with all permanent measures, he said.
DG of Fire and Emergency Service Sudhanshu Sarangi also said keeping in view of the upcoming match adequate fire safety arrangements have been made for the safety of spectators.
“Large number of fire personnel, fire fighting vehicles and equipment will be deployed to ensure fire safety. We have asked the authorities concerned to make preventive arrangements for ensuring safety during events when fire personnel are not deployed,” he added.