CM reviews High Court fire mishap, Ensure safety of buildings, fire officials told - Repair on war footing ordered

Hyderabad|India|September'2009: The Chief Minister Dr Y S Rajasekhara Reddy has asked the officials of concerned departments to see that fire mishaps like what occurred in the High Court should be prevented under any circumstances. He told them that there is no use of explaining the reasons behind the fire mishap and excuses are not solutions to such problems. The Chief Minister told the Director General, Fire Services and other officials to ensure fire safety measures at all important buildings and there should be no lenience over this. Dr Reddy reviewed the incident of fire mishap that occurred in the High Court building on the early hours of Monday and directed the officials to take all steps to prevent such mishaps in future.

“What is the use of explaining possible or probable reasons for the fire mishaps? What we should do is to periodically check all important buildings, particularly the heritage and old buildings and ensure all fire safety measures”, the Chief Minister said.

The Chief Minister said High Court being such an important institution; all care should have been taken to prevent such mishaps. He expressed concern over the damage to the chambers of judges, library with valuable books and a mini conference hall. He said the High Court building is a heritage building and a pride possession of the State. The Chief Minister asked the Fire Services officials to visit all such buildings and ensure safety.

The Chief Minister also ordered repair of the destroyed portion of the High Court on war footing. He said such fire mishaps should have been avoided. The Fire Services department should look into the safety of many such heritage and government buildings, particularly the electrical wiring etc., to ensure its safety.

The Chief Minister discussed the issue with ministers and other officials and said that the Government would extend all help to the authorities in refurbishing the High Court which was constructed 90 years ago.