A recent report by Beyond Carlton, a citizen group advocating for fire safety across India, emphasizes the need for decentralising fire safety, integrating city planning, and strengthening enforcement to prevent fire-related incidents in urban areas. The report was launched during a commemoration of the 15th anniversary of the tragic Carlton Towers fire on Old Airport Road, Bengaluru, which claimed nine lives and left 70 people injured.
The event began with a candlelight tribute to the victims of the 2010 fire tragedy, followed by a dance performance titled “Agni,” symbolizing the power of fire and highlighting the importance of its responsible use. Matangi Prasan, a Sangeet Natak Akademi scholar, performed the dance.
RA Venkitachalam, trustee of Beyond Carlton, spoke at the event, noting that the leading causes of fire incidents include electrocution and kitchen gas explosions, both of which are exacerbated by poor coordination between various departments and the fire brigade.
Fire protection engineer and Carlton Towers fire survivor, Sumit Khanna, discussed fire-proofing multi-storey buildings and the failure of existing fire safety regulations in residential structures. Despite stringent safety measures for commercial buildings, Khanna noted, the functionality of fire safety equipment is often overlooked.
Uday Vijayan, who tragically lost his 22-year-old son in the Carlton Towers fire and serves as the Managing Trustee of Beyond Carlton, highlighted the importance of community involvement in fire safety alongside institutional efforts.
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