Kerala: KSDMA, fire force had warned of fire in audit

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Reports of the fire audits conducted by Kerala state disaster management authority (KSDMA) in 2018 and fire and rescue department in 2016, had pointed out several vulnerabilities in the secretariat building, but the reports found their way to the cold storage without any further action.

KSDMA had conducted audits in 2011 and 2018 and had also conducted a mock exercise to review emergency preparedness in the secretariat, in case of a fire. In the audit report submitted to the government (accessed by TOI), it was observed that an electrical circuit installed between sections crowded with employees and paper files increased the risk to hazards like fire. The audit report recommended that installation of circuits in such sections should be avoided.
Fire alarms were installed in some locations, but were found to be defunct. Announcement system was also not in place. Some of the corridors were filled with unused furniture and other stationery which blocked free mobility in case of emergency evacuation, the audit found. Over 100 employees were persons with disabilities (PwD) who needed special assistance. “It is recommended to implement buddy system for timely assistance and evacuation of PwDs,” the audit suggested.
The fire and rescue department too had conducted an audit in 2016. In his letter to the chief secretary and additional chief secretary (home and vigilance) in February 2016, the then chief of fire and rescue services department Loknath Behera had said the secretariat building is fire unsafe and the concerned department should be asked to take remedial measures at the earliest. According to its report, all wirings in the secretariat were exposed without being concealed.
Since the building is 150 years old, it is doubtful whether it can withstand any natural disaster. Cracks on the floors, walls and ceilings are confirming this,” the report said.