NEED TO LEARN LESSONS FROM THE INCIDENT IN DELHI

NEED TO LEARN LESSONS FROM THE INCIDENT IN DELHI

4-JUNE-ENG 4

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-----------------------------Recent incidents in the National Capital Region of Delhi have once again raised the question regarding the extent to which safety standards are being adhered to in hotels, lodges, and other residential establishments. Such incidents are not merely a matter of concern limited to a single city or state; rather, they serve as a warning for the entire country.

Bihar, too, needs to take serious steps in this direction. A comprehensive inspection of all hotels—large and small—as well as guest houses, lodges, and marriage halls across the state must be conducted to ensure that they are complying with the prescribed safety standards.

Regular inspections are particularly essential regarding fire safety systems, emergency exits, electrical safety, structural integrity of buildings, CCTV surveillance, and disaster management preparedness. Often, due to negligence, disregard for regulations, and a lack of timely inspections, minor incidents escalate into major disasters.

The State Government, District Administration, Municipal Bodies, and the Fire Department should jointly launch a campaign to inspect all hotels. Establishments found to be non-compliant with safety standards must face action in accordance with the law and be issued time-bound directives to implement necessary improvements.

Public safety must be the paramount priority. Proactive vigilance and regular monitoring constitute a far more effective approach than taking action only after a major disaster has occurred. Drawing lessons from the Delhi incident, a comprehensive review of safety protocols in hotels and other public establishments in Bihar is the need of the hour, so that the lives of citizens remain secure and any untoward incidents can be averted in the future.