The Kolkata fire department conducted fire safety audits at South City Mall, Mani Square, Avani Riverside and Patakha Building on Wednesday ahead of Durga Puja, inspecting emergency systems and evacuation arrangements at venues expected to see heavy visitor footfall during the festival.
A senior fire department official said the inspections were intended to assess the preparedness of the establishments before the festive period. The teams checked kitchens, fire extinguishers and other firefighting installations, while also speaking with the management of the properties.
At South City Mall, the inspection began in restaurants before moving to the food court, where officials interacted with visitors to assess whether emergency exits could be identified easily. The team spent nearly six hours at the mall and also inspected its multiplex and retail stores.
Officials suggested that the mall increase the size of its exit signage so that it is more prominent for visitors. At some shops, teams also asked managements and shopkeepers to keep store areas free of clutter. The department said similar checks were carried out at Mani Square and Avani Riverside.
The audit also covered key fire detection and suppression systems. Officials checked whether smoke detectors and fire alarms were operational and whether hydrants had adequate water pressure. The department said the fire safety measures at the facilities checked on Wednesday were adequate.
The inspections included Patakha Building on Free School Street, which houses a department store, as well as the malls in other parts of the city. The department’s checks focused on areas where customers, restaurant workers, shop employees and management staff would need to respond during a fire emergency.
The timing of the exercise comes before Durga Puja, when malls, restaurants, department stores and entertainment facilities typically prepare for increased visitor activity. The department’s audit covered both the condition of safety installations and the visibility of evacuation information within the establishments.
The fire department said its teams interacted with facility management during the inspections and communicated operational suggestions, including clearer exit signs and uncluttered shop interiors. No deficiencies requiring closure or immediate suspension of operations were reported in the account of Wednesday’s inspections.
