Fire at Varkala raises eyebrows

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The major fire at Varkala cliff that gutted 16 shops and partially destroyed three resorts on Friday was an anticipated mishap made imminent by bad town planning practices, say various fire officials. Another minor fire which was reported at a garment outlet Papanasam on Sunday did not make headlines.

“Shack restaurants under a thatched roof universally hold the potential of fire outbreaks. The risk multiplies when shacks are surrounded by garment outlets. Since the road is too narrow for fire tenders to rush, the Varkala cliff becomes a very sensitive spot. No restaurants have fire extinguishers or a fire fighting system there,” says Attingal station officer

Suresh Kumar who fought the fire.  The eroding laterite cliffs here have weakened the pathways in many locations for any trucks to come in.

As per building rules, the buildings need not have more than two feet distance unless there is opposition from a neighbouring shop.  A thatched roof which has at least one wall will get an electricity connection that comes with the risk of short circuit.

As per Varkala municipality’s Development Standing Committee member Sanush S who represents Papanasam ward, the council will hold special internal meetings with the participation of fire officials and will formulate guidelines that will be forcefully implemented. Dozens of shacks at this prominent tourist destination are run by people from all over India and Tibet.

“Since most shops are open only for five months in a year, traders are unlikely to opt for anything other than thatched roof buildings because of its aesthetic appeal and monetary reasons. The municipality is looking ahead to acquire land behind gutted shops and shift them backwards and make a wider road for emergency vehicles,” Sanush said.

As per fire officials, the last fire outbreak happened in Papanasam just three years ago at a resort but the municipality has not provided a fire hydrant anywhere even after the mishap.