Twenty-nine years after the Uphaar cinema fire tragedy that claimed 59 lives and injured over 100, the Association of Victims of Uphaar Tragedy (AVUT) emphasized the need for a stronger legal system to address man-made disasters caused by negligence and corruption. Despite some improvements in fire safety regulations, AVUT highlighted ongoing weaknesses in enforcement due to negligence and corruption. The victims’ body expressed disappointment that preventable disasters still occur despite their three-decade pursuit of justice and safer public spaces.
Marking the 29th anniversary of the Uphaar tragedy, AVUT lamented that crucial lessons from the incident remain unheeded. Recent fire incidents, such as the one at the Flourish Stay Hotel in Delhi, where 21 lives were lost, underscore the inadequate attention given to fire safety concerns. AVUT criticized the trend of overlooking safety violations and issuing No Objection Certificates without proper scrutiny, leading to tragic consequences and a disregard for public safety.
AVUT pointed out that the recurrence of preventable tragedies highlights the failure of authorities to prioritize fire safety and disaster prevention adequately. The victims’ association reiterated its call for a comprehensive law specifically targeting disasters resulting from negligence, corruption, and safety norm violations. Such legislation, according to AVUT, should ensure swift investigations, special courts, time-bound trials, and severe penalties for those accountable for loss of life due to negligence or intentional wrongdoing.
The victims’ body argued that the current legal framework lacks effectiveness in deterring individuals who prioritize profits over human lives. Without stringent consequences for gross negligence and corruption, AVUT warned that such disasters will persist. As AVUT honored the memory of those lost in the tragedy, it reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to advocating for accountability and public safety. AVUT President Neelam Krishnamoorthy emphasized that even after 29 years, their grief persists, but their resolve remains strong.
