Date:15/09/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/09/15/stories/2006091516020100.htm

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No licence, still they stand tall

V.S. Palaniappan

A survey says there are 72 unsafe high-rise buildings in Coimbatore

DEATH TRAP: Firemen battling a blaze in an automobile spare parts showroom on Cross Cut Road in Coimbatore. - Photo: S. Siva Saravanan. (File photo)

Coimbatore: A recent survey conducted by the Department of Fire and Rescue Services, Coimbatore Division, has identified 72 unsafe high-rise buildings in Coimbatore city and its peripheral areas.

Tragedies

These buildings lacked fire safety measures, emergency exits and manoeuvrable space for fire-tenders and rescue teams.

In the early 1970's high-rise commercial buildings were required to obtain a licence from the Fire Services Department. But, it remained on paper for more than two decades. The Government started insisting on the licence after two tragedies at Kumbakonam and Srirangam.

Stampede

While inspecting buildings, the Fire and Rescue Services Department officers led by the Divisional Fire and Rescue Services Officer, S. Ganapathy, found 72 such buildings `unsafe.'

Accident

Licences were refused to them. In the event of an accident, these buildings can claim the lives of thousands of people . Even a stampede caused by panic can do the damage.

Showrooms

Textile showrooms, departmental stores, hotels, lodges and even hostels of educational institutions are located in some of these buildings.

Mandatory

K. Kathirmathiyon, secretary of Coimbatore Consumer Cause, says getting the licence should be made mandatory for property tax assessment or getting availing power supply connection and water supply.