LI Network
Published on: January 16, 2024 at 11:59 IST
In response to a fire incident that occurred on January 6, 2024, at a hotel in Sannidhanam, Sabarimala, due to a gas cylinder leakage, the Kerala High Court has ordered the Special Officer of Fire and Rescue Services to conduct a comprehensive fire safety audit at hotels and other establishments in Sabarimala.
The directive aim to ensure the prevention of future disasters and enhance safety measures in the pilgrimage area.
The Division Bench, comprised of Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice G. Girish, specifically instructed the 3rd respondent, the Special Officer in the rank of District Fire Officer in Pathanamthitta, to conduct the fire audit promptly through concerned officers. The audit report is to be submitted to the Special Commissioner of Sabarimala.
The Court took note of the timely intervention by the Fire and Rescue Services, which prevented a disaster, considering that the fire incident occurred near a barricade where devotees were queuing.
The Travancore Devaswom Board informed the Court about the existing prohibition in Sabarimala on the storage of more than five gas cylinders. However, it was revealed that the hotel involved in the incident had more than six gas cylinders on the premises.
In response to this revelation, the court directed the Special Officer to issue an advisory as part of the safety protocol in Sabarimala, emphasizing strict compliance by all Kuthaka holders in the region to prevent similar disasters.
The Court also mandated the submission of the fire audit report to the Sabarimala Special Commissioner.
