GIDC to audit fire safety across industrial estates

Panaji: The Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) plans to conduct a comprehensive fire safety audit and risk assessment across all its 4,450-acre industrial estates, following concerns about gaps in fire safety preparedness.

GIDC plans to appoint an independent agency to conduct an analysis of existing systems in each estate, identify inadequacies, and recommend upgrades.

A vulnerability and exposure analysis will be conducted to assess the impact of an industrial fire on people, critical infrastructure, and manufacturing units. Emergency response plans, communication systems and other aspects will also be evaluated.

GIDC officials said industrial estates will be aligned with the National Building Code 2016 and national best practices for industrial safety. The audit will cover the common fire-fighting infrastructure, consisting of a network of fire hydrants spaced 50-80m apart and connected to the internal water distribution system.

GIDC said the audit was necessary to improve its rating under the department for promotion of industry and internal trade’s (DPIIT) Industrial Park Rating system, which evaluates disaster management and safety measures like audits and emergency alert systems.