Deccan Mall fire: Telangana announces Rs 5 lakh compensation

HYDERABAD: The Telangana government on Wednesday announced Rs 5 lakh each as compensation to the families of the three persons who were killed in the recent Deccan Mall fire in Secunderabad.

It was decided at a high-level review meeting held at the BRKR Bhavan to take stock of safeguards in place and new measures required to be initiated.

The meeting was presided over by Telangana Home Minister Mahmood Ali and attended by IT, MA and UD Minister K T Rama Rao and minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav. Senior administrative and police officials, Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari, Director General of Police Anjani Kumar, Hyderabad Police Commissioner CV Anand, Cyberabad Police Commissioner Stephen Raveendra and Rachakonda Police Commissioner D S Chouhan were among those present at the review meeting.

The meeting, while reviewing the existing safeguards, also discussed steps needed to be taken against buildings that do not comply with fire safety regulations. It was also decided to constitute a committee on fire safety with senior officials.

If necessary, the state government will grant funds to the fire safety department in the upcoming budget. During the review meeting, likely amendments to the existing Telangana Fire Service Act were also considered.

The meeting also stressed on the importance of putting in place fire safety precautions in collaboration with the building owners.The ministers and senior officials present during the high-level meeting considered the establishment of a self-certification programme in fire safety.

The Ministers proposed the following to maintain fire safety

• Conduct fire safety audits of high-rise buildings and huge structures in Hyderabad and other cities in the State. It includes commercial buildings, hospitals, and schools.
• The measures should not cause inconvenience to people.
• Existing fire safety rules have to be changed, if required.
• Use drones and robotics technology in maintaining fire safety at tall structures in Hyderabad.
• A list of suggestions have to be prepared after studying the best practices adopted by cities in our country and in foreign countries to prevent recurring of fire mishaps.
• Training classes for existing Fire Services Department staff.
• The State government is ready to provide modern equipment and resources to the Fire Services Department. A representation has to be prepared on the equipment needed on an immediate basis.
• Explore the possibility of involving owners of buildings in maintaining fire safety
• Rs 5 lakhs ex-gratia to each of the three victims of the fire accident in Secunderabad.