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The Uttarakhand government has ordered statewide safety audits of residential, commercial and public buildings following a recent fire incident in Lucknow. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami directed multiple departments to inspect fire safety systems, emergency exits, electrical infrastructure and compliance with building regulations. The exercise will cover high-occupancy properties, including hotels, hospitals, schools and housing developments. Authorities have also been instructed to identify violations, review preparedness measures and ensure corrective action wherever required.
The Uttarakhand government has ordered a comprehensive audit of building safety measures across the state following a recent fire incident in Lucknow, with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami directing officials to assess compliance levels in residential, commercial and public buildings.
The directive was issued in the past week during a review meeting convened to examine fire safety preparedness and emergency response systems. The state government said the exercise would cover a wide range of properties and focus on identifying deficiencies in fire prevention infrastructure, evacuation arrangements and regulatory compliance.
According to official statements, the audits will be conducted through coordinated efforts involving the Urban Development Department, Fire Services Department, district administrations and local urban bodies. Authorities have been instructed to inspect fire-fighting equipment, emergency exits, electrical installations and other safety mechanisms required under applicable building regulations.
The review follows concerns raised after a major fire incident in Lucknow, which prompted several state governments to reassess safety standards in high-occupancy buildings. Uttarakhand officials indicated that the inspections would help determine whether existing structures comply with mandatory safety requirements and identify locations requiring immediate corrective measures.
Chief Minister Dhami directed departments to ensure that building owners, operators and management agencies adhere to prescribed safety norms. He also instructed officials to take action against violations discovered during inspections and ensure that deficiencies are addressed within stipulated timelines.
The state government stated that special attention would be given to buildings accommodating large numbers of people, including commercial complexes, hotels, hospitals, educational institutions and residential developments. Authorities have been asked to verify whether these properties possess valid fire safety clearances and whether installed systems remain operational.
Officials involved in the exercise will also review emergency preparedness protocols and evacuation procedures. The inspections are expected to evaluate the condition of fire alarms, sprinkler systems, hydrants and access routes for emergency services. Departments have been instructed to submit reports detailing compliance levels and recommendations for further action.
The initiative comes amid increasing attention on building safety and disaster preparedness in urban centres across India. Regulatory authorities have been placing greater emphasis on periodic inspections and enforcement of safety norms, particularly in rapidly growing cities where residential and commercial development has expanded significantly.
State officials said the audit would serve as a comprehensive assessment of existing infrastructure and compliance standards across Uttarakhand. Findings from the exercise are expected to guide future enforcement measures and help authorities strengthen safety oversight in both existing and newly developed buildings.
The government has indicated that the review process will continue over the coming weeks, with departments required to coordinate inspections and submit updates on progress, compliance gaps and remedial measures undertaken across the state.
Source: PTI