Residents to move court against Savitri Cinema, says safety at stake

Residents of nearby areas, who have been protesting the opening of the hall over violation of traffic norms, have decided to move court.

The opening of Savitri Cinema (renamed DT Cinema) has run into another roadblock.

HT Image

Residents of nearby areas, who have been protesting the opening of the hall over violation of traffic norms, have decided to move court.

Residents allege that the construction of the hall violates building safety norms, with little parking space for vehicles and no additional space to deal with any emergency.

"The hall's plan is exactly like the Uphaar Cinema hall. We had requested for a meeting with the Lieutenant Governor because his office had given a provisional NOC to the theatre. We will file a PIL drawing attention to all the technical points of the plan. There is hardly any space for parking within the complex and in case of a fire, there is no escape route," said Ashok Bagga, president, GK- 2 Resident Welfare Association.

While a report forwarded by the United Traffic and Transportation Infrastructure (UTTIPEC) states that the LG's office had cleared the building plan, residents claim that the plan is anything but safe.

"The hall is violating the Delhi Cinematography rules because the theatre must provide space for 100 cars to be parked, which Savitri doesn't. In addition to this, a space of seven metres must be left vacant at its periphery for any emergency. In Savitri's case, there is no space at all," said Chetan Sharma, a resident of Greater Kailash.

DLF maintains there are no loopholes in the building plan. It has also promised a professionally run parking lot which adheres to UTTIPEC's norms.