INDORE: District administration has launched a city-wide crackdown on structures that are not compliant with fire safety norms. The administration has issued a 15-day ultimatum to all G+3 (ground plus three floors) and multi-storey buildings to rectify their anomalies regarding fire safety arrangements.
“Owners of commercial buildings and residential high-rises have two weeks to ensure their fire safety systems are fully operational. Starting tomorrow (Monday), special teams led by Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) will begin field inspections,” Collector Shivam Verma said during a high-level meeting on Sunday.
The meeting, attended by Municipal Commissioner Kshitij Singhal, revenue officials, and building inspectors, outlined strategy to survey and penalise structures that pose high risk to public safety.
The administration’s checklist includes operational equipment like fire extinguishers, sprinklers, and hydrants, which must be in working condition. “Emergency exit routes must be clearly marked, illuminated, and completely free of obstructions,” Verma said, adding that legal compliance should be followed, including verification of valid fire safety licences and building permissions.
“Public safety is our supreme priority. Any negligence regarding fire safety norms will not be tolerated, and strict punitive action, including the cancellation of licences, will be taken against violators,” he said.
Officials pointed out that many structures have undergone illegal expansions that violate building bylaws and block ventilation or escape routes. The Collector directed officials to identify these extra constructions immediately. Owners will be served notices to remove illegal portions, and if they fail to comply, the administration will initiate demolition proceedings.
The administration will conduct random inspections even after the 15-day grace period to ensure long-term compliance rather than temporary fixes.
