Rajkot
Following the devastating fire in Rajkot that resulted in 27 fatalities, the local authorities have sealed 31 properties, including several schools and coaching centers, for failing to comply with safety regulations. Investigations are also underway across 18 wards of the Rajkot Municipal Corporation.
Officials disclosed that these actions are part of a larger initiative to improve safety standards throughout the state. The inspections cover critical areas such as verifying required permissions and licenses, assessing occupancy limits, checking electrical loads and installations, inspecting fire safety equipment and escape routes, and evaluating the condition of mechanical installations.
This safety crackdown extends beyond Rajkot. In Surat, authorities have sealed 739 properties over the past week. These include 537 properties lacking Building Use Certificates (BUC) and 175 without fire safety certificates. Among the sealed properties are 29 game zones, 27 goldsmiths, 71 restaurants, 130 commercial markets, and 134 temporary structures.
This joint operation, involving municipal officials, the Collector, and the police, has caused significant activity across the city. Malls, restaurants, hospitals, schools, and coaching centers are being inspected, and non-compliant establishments are being shut down.
On May 31, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Rajkot to receive updates on the investigation into the TRP GameZone fire tragedy. He was briefed by Rajkot City Police Commissioner Brijeshkumar Jha, Collector Prabhav Joshi, and Municipal Commissioner DP Desai. The state government’s directive for a thorough inquiry continues to disclose new details about the incident.
