The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Cinema complex `does not comply with fire safety norms'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Dec 04, 2004

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Cinema complex `does not comply with fire safety norms'

By Akhila Seetharaman

CHENNAI, DEC. 3. The Devi theatre complex is under the scanner over non-compliance with fire safety norms. Unless it complies with the recommendations of the Fire Services, the Commissioner of Police may not renew its licence.

"The police asked us to evaluate the premises and issue a no-objection certificate (NOC). On inspection, we found that the complex does not comply with the standards of the National Building Code that we follow. We cannot give an NOC unless the norms are met," said S.K. Dogra, Director of Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services Department.

Though the Devi complex is unlikely to be the only cinema violating fire safety norms, it is the first to come under such scrutiny. However, the complex's Executive Director, K.N. Varadarajan, insists that when it comes to following the rules they go by the book.

"Cinema theatres come under the Tamil Nadu Cinema (Regulations) Rules, 1957, which we have complied with. We have a certificate from the Electrical Inspector.

The Fire Services Department is a recommendatory body, but in this case, the police are making clearance from the Fire Services a prerequisite for renewal of the licence. This is not based on any statute," he contends.

Clearances

But senior police officers say any building requires several clearances. If one agency does not clear it for some reason, and, unless the reason stated is minor, the licence will not be issued, says a senior officer.

The Electrical Inspector can check for fire safety with regard to electrical connections, but precautions to be taken for preventing other types of fire and ensure the presence of escape routes come under the purview of the Fire Services, he said.

Mr. Varadarajan says the biggest problem pertains to increasing the open space on three sides of the hall from 6.1 metres to 7 metres, besides the suggestions to include gadgets such as downcomers and wetrisers.

"Wherever possible we will comply," he says. "But they should give practical suggestions based on the existing conditions. Most importantly, there should be alternatives."

Exemptions can be made only at the time of decision-making, not at the time of inspection, says Mr. Dogra. It is for the licensing authority and not the Fire Services to decide whether the case deserves to be treated differently.

The Fire Services department's decision not to issue an NOC to the complex is seen as a trend-setting policy decision.

Since the school fire in Kumbakonam, the department has been tightening enforcement of fire safety regulations.

Earlier, it would give conditional NOCs for establishments already running. Now it is taking an "aggressive stance," insisting that the necessary changes are made first. "Safety is a relative term.

We cannot say the building is safe or unsafe, but we need to ensure that certain standards are followed, " said Mr. Dogra.

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