Recent occurrence of fire accidents in the country exposes the gaps in smart cities initiative. Discuss (200 Words)
Refer - Business Line
Enrich the answer from other sources, if the question demands.
K. V. A 6 years
Pls review
IAS Parliament 6 years
Try to include about the role of corruption, building codes etc . Keep Writing.
IAS Parliament 6 years
KEY POINTS
· The deadly fire in a Surat coaching centre that resulted in the death of 22 young people highlights the gap between India’s dreamy visions of smart cities and the cruel reality of urban chaos and lawlessness.
· So Government needs to fix accountability for Surat tragedy, and update the fire safety protocol countrywide
· This incident reflect the India’s abysmal record on fire safety is reflected in the death of 17,700 people countrywide in fires in both public and residential buildings during 2015, according to the latest available data from the National Crime Records Bureau.
Gaps in smart city initiative
· Lethargic civic officials have displayed unforgivable indifference, and tragedy should lead to a comprehensive review of public buildings. This shows the lack of accountability of officials at local level.
· Litigation on fire disasters goes to the courts, and it is essential for the judiciary to send out the message that there will be no tolerance to corruption and evasion in the enforcement of building rules and fire safety.
· Lacking in planned construction of building with appropriate fire safety measures.
· Mandating compulsory insurance for all public buildings against fire risk and public liability can bring about a change to the way architects and builders approach the question of safety, since the insurer would require a reduction of risk and compliance with building plans.
