Clear driveways or face action, fire dept warns malls

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services on Sunday slapped notices on 24 high-rise malls and commercial establishments, including 11 in Bengaluru, over driveway obstructions. The notices were issued after the department conducted surprise fire drive across the state.

Sunil Agarwal, ADGP (Fire), said the department has warned the establishments to clear two-wheeler parking and permanent and temporary structures around the malls so as to give free way for fire trucks in case of an emergency.

The malls and establishments were given three days’ time to comply with the instructions. Agarwal warned that if they fail to do so, the department will write to electricity boards and water supply agencies to cut off power and water to these establishments.

“Obstructing the driveway for fire and emergency vehicles is criminal trespass which also amounts to endangering lives. Instructions have been given to all fire officers in the districts. In Karnataka, there are 44 malls out of which violations were found in the case of 24. Of this, the highest is in Bengaluru — 11,” he said.

In Bengaluru, violations were found in Rockline Mall in Jalahalli, Vaishnavi Mall in Yeshwanthpur, Vega City Mall in Hulimavu, Royal Meenakshi Mall in Hulimavu, Golden Heights in Rajajinagar, More Mall, Bangalore Central Mall and Brand Factory (all on Sarjapur Road), Reliance Retails on Kanakapura Road, Lido Mall in Halasuru and Pothys Mall on KG Road.

M N Reddi, DGP (Fire), said keeping driveways clear for fire, rescue and emergency vehicles is a must. “Fire department will take stringent action of recommending cancellation of occupancy certificate in such cases,” he tweeted.