Stricter rules to renew licences

Following several cases of fire in theatres, auditoriums, multiplexes, the fire department is going to be more strict while renewing fire No Objection Certificates (NOC).

Following several cases of fire in theatres, auditoriums, multiplexes, the fire department is going to be more strict while renewing fire No Objection Certificates (NOC).

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The fire department renews NOCs to these premises annually.

"The number of cases of fire in these premises have increased so from now on we will be more stringent while issuing the NOC," said Chief Fire Officer Uday Tatkare.

First the premise will be surveyed, and if irregularities are found then notices will be issued under the new fire safety act. Only after they have complied will the norms, will they get a renewal.

"Earlier we didn't have the power to issue notices. But with the new fire safety act, we can take action against the defaulters," said Tatkare.

This year over 300 such premises were surveyed and about 15 renewals held back.

"These premises were asked to rectify the faults to get their NOCs renewed," he added.