MANDYA: Six multi-storeyed buildings including Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS) have been served notices by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services for not complying with National Building Code (NBC).
According to the code, it is compulsory for multi-storeyed buildings to have fire extinguishers and other fire safety mechanisms.
If the buildings, do not comply to NBC even after notices have been served, then the department was empowered to take strict action against owners of such buildings.
Survey
Following several fire accidents in the State, officials of the department had recently conducted a survey of multi-storeyed buildings in Mandya. During the survey, it was found that MIMS medical college, MIMS mens and womens hostel, doctors quarters, Hotel Haripriya and Sanjo Hospital were found to have violated the NBC norms, following which notices were served to these buildings.
As per the notice, all the buildings have to comply with NBC norms by the end of February 2014.
In case the buildings do not comply with the norms by the end of February, department of Fire and Emergency Services will communicate with the concerned departments to discontinue water and electricity supply. The department might also seal the buildings, the notice warned.
NBC norms
As per NBC norms, it is compulsory for all multi-storeyed buildings to have fire extinguishers. Water tank in the ground floor to extinguish fire in case of emergencies; two fire exits with a minimum width of 1.25 metres; fire, smoke and heat sensors; alarms and emergency lights are among the requirements in a building.
Moreover, the buildings must have roads around them for the free movement of fire extinguishers.
However, many buildings do not have the facility.
Arrangements soon
Speaking on the issue, MIMS director, Dr Pushpa Sarkar said that MIMS had received the notice and it was taking steps to comply with NBC norms within the stipulated period.
“Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited has already conducted a survey regarding the same. We will require a total of Rs 67 lakh to equip the four buildings in MIMS premises to comply with NBC norms. We have sent a letter to the State to sanction the required amount,” she said.
