Karnataka - Bangalore   

Owners may have to submit annual affidavits

— PHOTO: AFP

LESSONS LEARNT?: The BBMP has proposed periodic safety audits of all buildings that have more than three floors.

Bangalore: Last week’s blaze in Carlton Towers that claimed nine lives is an eye-opener for all. Waking up to the situation, the State Government is now planning to make it mandatory for owners of high-rises to submit annual affidavits to the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) certifying that all safety mechanisms are in place.

“We are reviewing on how to make this mandatory. Everyone knows that the building owner tries to comply with all norms before obtaining an occupancy certificate from the Palike. But the problem starts when violations [take place] after the construction,” A. Ravindra, Adviser to Chief Minister (Urban Affairs), told The Hindu.

Referring to the locked exit doors in Carlton Towers, Mr. Ravindra, who is also former BMP Commissioner, said he had a meeting with officials from various departments on Saturday. “Everyone talks about prevention and precautions only after the incident. We should plan something concrete to ensure that such tragedies do not recur. We are trying to fix the responsibility of ensuring safety mechanisms on both the owner and the occupants,” he said.

BBMP Commissioner Bharatlal Meena said the Palike proposed to conduct periodic safety audits of all high rises that have more than three floors.

“The fire has taught many lessons not just for the BBMP but all other departments. The incident has a loud and clear message for all. Apart from periodic inspections to check post-construction violations, it is also important for a coordinated effort from all departments to ensure that all safety aspects and precautions to prevent accidents are in place,” he said.

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