In response to the recent tragic fire incident at a coaching center in Lucknow, the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) has instructed a comprehensive review of fire safety measures at all educational institutions, coaching centers, and skill development hubs in the state. The directive emphasizes the critical importance of ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols to safeguard the lives of students, faculty, and staff members. Local authorities have been tasked with conducting thorough inspections to ensure compliance with relevant fire safety regulations and rules.
The directive issued by Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, Special Relief Commissioner & Managing Director of OSDMA, mandates inspections to verify the functionality of fire safety equipment, proper storage of combustible materials, maintenance of emergency exits, and the conduct of regular fire safety training and drills. It also requires institutions to maintain clear evacuation plans, contact details for emergency services, and designated Fire Safety Wardens and Nodal Officers for accountability. Additionally, institutions must ensure unobstructed emergency escape routes and install appropriate signage for easy identification during emergencies.
To enforce these safety measures, a multi-agency monitoring mechanism has been established by the state government. Joint inspection teams comprising officials from various departments will conduct regular checks to ensure compliance. Institutions found lacking in fire safety arrangements will be subject to immediate corrective action and required to address deficiencies within a specified timeframe. District Collectors have been directed to provide an Action Taken Report within 15 days, outlining the outcomes of inspections and steps taken to rectify any shortcomings.
