A Perspective on Vizag
FBV convener says, majority of cinema halls, hospitals in GVMC are do not have fire safety measures
Rushikonda, February 7, 2010
The Forum for Better Visakha (FBV) convener EAS Sarma has asked the district administration to take steps to prevent boat accidents at Rushikonda. Reacting to recent boat accidents in the Godavari and Tandava Reservoir killing over two dozen people, he informed the District Collector, J Shyamala Rao that there is no safety on the joy rides conducted in boats at Rushikonda and few other places.
He recalled the FBV appeal in September to the administration did not invoke any response and FBV waited till the two tragic incidents one in Godavari and another in Tandava Reservoir. He further state that most of the cinema halls in the purview of GVMC area did not have fire safety compliance and it was not clear as to why the Joint Collector had been renewing their licenses. Hundreds of multi storeyed buildings, both residential and commercial in GVMC area were also fire unsafe and the details were available with the FBV and the Fire Services Department. GVMC had not acted on enforcing the fire safety norms.
Sarma alleged that the GVMC was lax in enforcing structural safety standards in multi-storeyed buildings and the forum had time and again cautioned the GVMC without response. Dabagardens had an accident a couple of years ago and Bellary type incidents were not ruled out. Ammonium Nitrate storage godowns of 20,000 tonne capacity each were located near the airport, port refinery and educational institutions. He stated that there is an order of Honorable AP High Court that the District Collector should identify and remove all structures that violate Coastal Regulation Zone and the office of the district collector is yet to comply with the order.