The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has announced its plans to conduct an extensive audit of firefighting systems in auditoriums under its jurisdiction. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance fire safety standards and ensure that all firefighting equipment and procedures are fully operational and compliant with safety regulations. The head of PMC’s Electrical Department has underscored the importance of this audit, particularly in addressing any gaps identified during previous assessments.
Back in 2023, the PMC carried out a comprehensive fire safety audit across all auditoriums within the civic body’s purview. This exercise uncovered several critical deficiencies, prompting immediate concern from both the public and stakeholders. In response, Pune’s Guardian Minister and the current MLA for Kothrud assured that these issues would be addressed as a matter of priority. Artists and spectators had raised multiple complaints about the inadequate maintenance and safety measures in place, which further highlighted the need for rigorous oversight.
The forthcoming audit will serve a dual purpose: it will cross-check the compliance of repairs recommended during the 2023 evaluation and provide a fresh appraisal of current conditions. To facilitate this, the PMC recently opened tender bids for the new round of audits. A senior official from PMC’s Building and Establishment Department confirmed that the scope of these audits would include verifying whether the previously suggested improvements have been effectively implemented. Moreover, the PMC is expanding its safety audit framework beyond auditoriums. New assessments will also be conducted in municipal hospitals and civic schools, bringing the total number of municipal buildings under scrutiny to 75. This expansive approach underscores the PMC’s commitment to enhancing safety standards across all public facilities. The audits are slated for completion within a month, with the PMC allocating a budget of nearly Rs 80 lakh to cover the costs associated with this crucial safety initiative.
