HC gives govt 1 wk to provide timeline for fire safety in SCB

Cuttack: The Orissa high court on Thursday granted the state government a week to clear the air over implementation of the fire safety protection system at SCB Medical College and Hospital (SCBMCH) in Cuttack.The high court was hearing the PIL filed by Maitree Sansad, a Cuttack-based socio-cultural organisation, alleging inadequate fire safety measures at the premier medical institution. On September 11, the court had directed the state government to come up with a comprehensive plan with the date by which adequate fire safety measures will be put in place. It expected the state government to file a comprehensive affidavit dealing with installation of safety measures along with proper design of the fire protection system.Accordingly, the state government had filed an affidavit on November 16. After perusal of the affidavit on Thursday, the two-judge bench of acting Chief Justice B R Sarangi and Justice M S Raman expressed dissatisfaction as the state government had claimed that more than a year is required to put in place the required system.The bench wanted the state government to be more specific by what time the fire safety protection system can be completed in SCBMCH. State counsel Debakanta Mohanty sought more time to obtain necessary instructions from the government. Allowing the plea, the bench directed to list the matter on December 14 for further consideration.According to the petition, the prevailing situation at the hospital with 2,600 beds could lead to disastrous consequences with not enough fire extinguishers available. After a survey of the hospital by a special team of the fire services, it had asked the authorities concerned to install fire-resistant mechanisms in all the departments. But the measures are yet to be fully implemented, the petition had alleged.

HC seeks BMC affidavit on SOP it follows in case of fire

Bombay high court directed BMC to provide an affidavit with measures and SOP for fire safety, including information on fire stations, response time, and implementation of fire safety regulations. The court questioned the state government's laxness in implementing the regulations and appointed an expert panel. The panel's report was submitted in February, but the government has made no progress. The court added the civic chief, chief fire officer, and director of State Fire Services/Fire Safety as parties to the PIL and set a deadline for BMC and the chief fire officer to submit their replies.

HC cites Girgaon fire fatalities, raps govt for safety rules delay

The Bombay high court criticizes the state government for delaying the notification on modified safety rules to prevent fires, following a tragic fire outbreak in a building that claimed two lives. The court questions the state for not implementing rules despite a committee submitting its report in February 2023. The court gives the state 48 hours to provide a planned timeline for incorporating and implementing special regulations on fire safety. The court emphasizes the seriousness of the issue and demands prompt action from the state.

Government steps up measures to rein in food prices

The government removed restrictions on import of yellow peas until March 2024 and reduced the stock limit for wheat. It plans to sell an additional 25 million tonnes of FCI wheat in the open market. Import of pulses is now free, addressing concerns over tur dal production, chana sowing, and stock levels of chana, moong, and masur. The government also banned onion exports until March 2024. Previously, yellow peas import was restricted, with a minimum import price of Rs 200/kg, and limited to Kolkata port. Traders have 30 days to adjust their stock to the new limits.

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