BSDMA Raises Concern Over Fire Safety Measures in Hospitals and Public Buildings
Serious concerns regarding inadequate fire safety measures in hospitals and public institutions were raised during a review meeting conducted by the Bihar State Disaster Management Authority (BSDMA).
During the meeting held on Tuesday, authorities identified 225 fire incident “hotspots” across Bihar and reviewed preparedness measures to prevent fire-related disasters in hospitals, malls, coaching centres, and other crowded public spaces.
The discussions focused on fire prevention strategies, mock drills, awareness campaigns, emergency preparedness, and the safety infrastructure available in different districts across the state.
Special Fire Safety Assessment Ordered for Major Hospitals in Patna
Officials were directed to carry out a special fire safety assessment of major hospitals in Patna amid rising concerns over electrical failures and inadequate emergency preparedness.
According to reports, BSDMA Vice-Chairman Uday Kant said that short circuits had emerged as the leading cause behind most fire incidents reported in Bihar.
He stated that authorities have instructed departments to conduct electrical safety audits in densely populated areas, hospitals, shopping malls, coaching institutes, and old buildings vulnerable to fire hazards.
“Officials have also been asked to promote the use of safety devices such as MCBs and ELCBs,” he said.
Electrical Failures Reported Across Multiple Districts
Authorities noted that several districts, including Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Patna, and parts of Champaran and Sitamarhi, have reported incidents linked to electrical failures.
The meeting was attended by BSDMA Secretary Md Waris Khan, senior officials from multiple departments, district fire officers, and additional collectors handling disaster management.
Hospitals, Malls and Coaching Centres to Face Rigorous Inspection
As part of the safety initiative, hospitals, cinema halls, shopping malls, and coaching institutes will undergo inspections based on a comprehensive 16-point fire safety checklist.
The checklist includes preventive measures, fire detection systems, emergency response preparedness, structural safety standards, and procedural compliance aimed at ensuring safer public infrastructure.
Officials said the fire services department has already intensified awareness campaigns through mock drills, street plays, LED publicity campaigns, and social media outreach programmes. Authorities claimed these initiatives have helped reduce the number of major fire incidents in the state.
JEEViKA, ASHA and Anganwadi Workers to Join Fire Safety Campaign
The meeting also discussed expanding fire safety awareness at the grassroots level through community participation.
JEEViKA and the Rural Development Department proposed organising regular fire safety awareness programmes across nearly 18,000 cluster-level federation centres in Bihar.
The initiative aims to involve JEEViKA Didis, ASHA workers, anganwadi workers, and panchayat representatives in spreading awareness about fire prevention and emergency response measures in rural areas.
