Kolkata: The West Bengal PWD and Urban Development Minister, Firhad Hakim, announced the framing of a new fire prevention and control policy.
This was announced during the first meeting of the 15-member task force created by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee following repeated cases of fire across the state.
The task force will submit its report to the Cabinet within 30 days. The report will have clear directions on fire safety and the SOPs to be followed.
Special emphasis is being given to fire audits. Besides the Fire Department, these audits will also be conducted by neutral third parties.
Once this report is submitted, only then does the policy formulation take place. Different departments like Fire, Police, Housing and Panchayat Raj will work jointly to completely overhaul the fire control system as per the Task Force recommendations.
In case of fire, it can be brought under control soon and other infrastructural shortcomings will be included in the full report.
Safety standards of rooftop restaurants and cafes will also be monitored. The SoPs prepared will be strictly followed. District-wise committees, too, will submit their findings, which will be compiled in the final report.
