The Hindu : New Delhi News : `Delhi Assembly fire took place due of negligence'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jul 28, 2004

New Delhi

New Delhi

`Delhi Assembly fire took place due of negligence'

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, JULY 27. The inquiry committee headed by the Principal Secretary (GAD), K.M. Sahani, constituted to probe the cause of fire in the Delhi Assembly premises is understood to have submitted that short circuit was not the cause of fire and the incident took place reportedly due to negligence. The Speaker's Chamber and two adjoining rooms were completely gutted in the fire.

Insiders in the Delhi Government informed that a detailed report in this regard is likely to be submitted to the Chief Minister, Sheila Dikshit, and the Delhi Assembly Speaker, Chaudhary Prem Singh, soon. Sources said the inquiry committee had concluded that no foul play was suspected as the unfortunate incident had taken place most likely due to negligence on the part of the local staff. It has also called for enforcement of certain fire safety measures to ensure that such incidents do not re-occur in future especially in view of the fact that the Old Secretariat complex is a heritage structure. At the same time, the Committee has also recommended to the Delhi Government that mock fire drills be held regularly not only at Old Secretariat but also in the New Secretariat at Players Building in order to ensure that the authorities were in a position to deal with any such situation.

The Committee is also understood to have made certain observations with regard to the fire safety methods and deployment of trained staff for taking control of such incidents. It is learnt to have pointed out that on the day of the fire the fire extinguishers were not available as they had gone for repairs or replacement. At the same time, it has stressed the need to put in place a proper mechanism and train the staff in the Secretariat to deal with any such incident in future. The committee members had visited the site of incident and had a detailed discussion with the Assembly staff as well as the Assembly Secretary, Siddharth Rao, on the incident. It conducted various inspections including that of the wiring of the entire complex and found it to their satisfaction.

Though the report is yet to be made public, it is believed that the Government is likely to initiate necessary action to ensure that fire safety measures are in place in the Players Building and as recommended by the committee the staff is properly trained to handle such situations. It is also likely to adhere to the recommendation of the committee that regular mock fire drill be held at the Players Building.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

New Delhi