Sector V Fire Safety Audit: NDITA to Inspect 250 Buildings in Kolkata's IT Hub

The Nabadiganta Industrial Township Authority (NDITA) is set to launch an intensive fire safety audit covering approximately 250 office buildings in Sector V, Kolkata’s premier IT and business district.

This move follows a similar fire inspection drive initiated by the New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA), which recently began auditing commercial establishments in the New Town area.

Why the Fire Safety Audit Now?

NDITA officials stated that while routine fire audits are conducted regularly, the decision to ramp up inspections comes in light of recent fire incidents in and around the city. Several establishments were found to be violating fire safety norms, prompting urgent action.

“Last year, a fire safety audit of 204 buildings in Sector V was completed, and detailed compliance reports were shared with building owners,”
— said a senior NDITA official.

Action Already Taken

In a recent crackdown, nine rooftop restaurants were issued stop-operation notices for serious lapses in fire safety compliance. These steps underline the township authority's commitment to ensuring a safe working environment for the nearly 1,500 companies operating in Sector V.

What the New Audit Will Cover

The upcoming audit will include:

1. Assessment of existing fire safety systems
2. Identification of gaps or lapses in current safety infrastructure
3. Recommendations for improvements and upgrades
4. Review of emergency exits, alarms, and sprinkler systems

Road Congestion a Major Concern

Another key aspect of the audit is the evaluation of road accessibility for fire tenders. Officials have identified major bottlenecks due to:

1. Unauthorized roadside parking
2. Encroachments by food stalls and kiosks

Areas like the stretch between Godrej Waterside and College More, Webel More, and roads near RDB Boulevard Mall have been flagged as high-risk due to congestion.

To mitigate this, NDITA is working on alternative parking solutions to keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.

Growing Workforce, Growing Responsibility

With nearly 2 lakh professionals working in Sector V, ensuring fire safety is not just a compliance issue but a public safety priority.

“Comprehensive fire audits are essential given the exponential rise in daily footfall.”
— said Vice President of the Sector V Stakeholders’ Association.

Key Takeaways

1. 250 buildings in Sector V to undergo fire audits
2. NDITA ramps up safety checks after recent fire incidents
3. Stop-operation notices issued to non-compliant businesses
4. Road access for fire engines under review
5. Efforts underway to reduce encroachment and improve emergency response

By LNN (Liyaans News Network)