SMC initiates drive to make textile markets fire safe

Surat: The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) is to take up a massive drive in the textile markets located at Ring Road for making necessary changes in the outer elevations and widening of the entry gates, in accordance with the fire safety standards.
Limbayat zone of the corporation has identified around 78 textile markets and commercial properties lacking the fire safety standards with general flaws in the building structure. The zone has already served notices asking to make necessary changes for the easy access of fire tenders at the time of exigencies. Notices have also been issued directing removal of illegal encroachments inside the markets within 10 days.
Official sources said that about 1,000 commercial buildings including textile markets, shopping complexes have been identified across the city having flaws in the building structure including outer elevation.
Bhairav Desai, executive engineer of Limbayat zone, told TOI, “We have served notices to more than 78 commercial properties at Ring Road for maintaining the fire safety standards. We will be taking up massive drive in the textile markets for removing the illegal encroachments and widening of the entrance starting from February 25.”
Majority of the textile markets in Ring Road have narrow entry gates and the market are dumped with inflammable materials, Desai said. “Before initiating the drive, we have made a detailed presentation to the market managements on the flaws in its building structures and how to rectify defects for people’s safety,” Desai added.