Odisha Govt Orders Crackdown on Fire Safety Norms After Market Blaze

Bhubaneswar: In the wake of the devastating fire at a city market, Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg convened an emergency review meeting at Lok Seva Bhavan to strengthen fire safety across the state.

The meeting emphasised the need for widespread IEC (Information, Education, Communication) campaigns to raise public awareness.

Citizens were urged to remain vigilant, follow safety norms, and report hazards promptly.

Key directives include mandatory fire safety certificates (NOCs) for all commercial establishments, housing societies, and large buildings.

Each organisation must appoint a trained fire supervisor, while electrical audits will be compulsory to prevent short‑circuit incidents.

Departments of Fire Services, Public Works, and Electricity will jointly prepare a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for coordinated emergency response.

A massive awareness drive will be rolled out through television, radio, and social media, with Civil Defence volunteers actively participating.

Citizens have been advised to dial 112 for immediate fire, police, medical, and rescue assistance.

Ahead of the upcoming Rath Yatra in Puri, special inspections will be conducted in hotels and crowded areas to ensure compliance.

Officials stressed that fire safety is a collective responsibility, requiring strict adherence to norms by businesses, housing societies, and the public to safeguard lives and property.