Hyderabad: The Supreme Court’s approval of the National Disaster Management Authority’s (NDMA) draft policy regarding disaster management is aimed at ensuring that disasters do not occur in schools. Special attention has been given to fire. The Telangana fire department has already taken 66 schools to court for not complying with the Fire Act.
Telangana fire services department DG Rajiv Ratan says, “We have conducted a massive programme with our personnel visiting schools across the state every Friday to check if they are adhering to the Fire Safety Act. In the last two years we have been conducting short term courses for students on fire safety. However, it is not easy to get school authorities to comply with fire safety rules.”
As schools increase their area fire safety measures should also increase. However, there is disregard for it leading to legal action. Around 35 schools have been imposed penalties of up to Rs 25,000 for non-compliance with rules. Thirty other cases are in progress. All schools have paid up fearing losing affiliation. Fire department officials encourage children to question the school authorities if they do not follow rules on fire safety.
“To ensure that the children are aware of fire safety we are planning to introduce a chapter on fire safety in state syllabus schools. It is not enough that students know not to play with matchsticks but they should also know that fire safety is an integral part of a building’s design,” says Rajiv Ratan. The Fire Safety Act lists everything that is required in a school's infrastructure, i.e. every school should have a minimum of at least two staircases, fire extinguishers on every floor and overhead tanks.
Regional fire officer Papaiah Vala says, “We also measure the gate of the school. It should be large enough for a fire engine to pass through. Schools are required to apply online with their address and management details to enable the department to conduct an inspection. Until we give a no objection certificate the school will not get affiliation from the District Educational Officer.”
