Kochi under fire threat but audit report gathers dust

Kochi: The fire audit report submitted by the fire and rescue department calling for setting up of permanent fire fighting mechanism such as pressurised fire hydrants at crowded markets and other vulnerable spots in the district are yet to be taken up for implementation.

Pressurised fire hydrants are points from which fire tenders can draw water in quick time. They are connected to a large water tank or to the main water distribution pipe.

The report, submitted to the district administration and the Kochi Corporation over a year ago, sought installation of fire hydrant points at Broadway market, Mattancherry Jew Street and the Kakkanad Special Economic zone on a war-footing. However it is put on a back burner despite rise in fire mishaps in crowded markets and residential areas in the region.

“The report called for setting fire hydrants at Broadway as the only water sources are that from Vembanad lake and a few wells," said a senior fire force official.

It also recommended widening of access roads to Broadway. “We've conducted a detailed study and submitted a trajectory layout. At present, many areas couldn't be accessed by fire tenders. Similar is the situation with the Mattancherry market," he said.

The study found owners of most shops have unauthorisedly sealed roofs and converted portions into go-downs after getting corporation’s approval. The same will congest a building and will increase fire incidence," the officer said.

The unauthorized "extension" was noticed in the old building in which fire broke out on Monday. too.

The report listed faulty electrical systems as another cause for worry.