Navratri Safety Check: Just 3 Of 55-60 Garba Events Get Fire NOC In Ahmedabad
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
With Navratri beginning this Sunday, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s Fire and Emergency Services Department is stepping up inspections of major garba venues across the city. Of the 55-60 large-scale garba organisers that have applied for Fire NOCs so far, only three have received preliminary approval after meeting the required safety standards.
The remaining applications will be processed only after the venues are fully set up and inspected by senior fire officials.
Final Checks Before Navratri
Work is still underway at several major garba grounds and air-conditioned domes, with equipment and other materials being installed at the venues.
The Fire Department expects the setup work to be completed within the next two to three days. Once the venues are ready, special teams led by the Additional Chief Fire Officer and Deputy Chief Fire Officer will carry out detailed inspections.
Officials will examine around 30 safety parameters, including:
- Fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment
- Emergency exit arrangements
- Accessibility for fire tenders
- Width of approach roads
- Overall fire-safety compliance
The department expects to complete the final scrutiny of the applications by Saturday or Sunday.
No NOC Without Full Compliance
Officials have made it clear that organisers will not receive a final Fire NOC unless all prescribed safety requirements are met.
The department is particularly focusing on whether emergency exits are adequate and whether fire tenders can reach the venue quickly in case of an incident.
AC Garba Domes Under Special Watch
A major focus this year is the growing number of garba events being held inside enclosed air-conditioned domes.
Unlike open grounds, these covered venues can create additional challenges during a fire or short-circuit. With large crowds inside an enclosed structure, inadequate exits could also increase the risk of panic and crowding during an emergency.
The Fire Department will therefore carry out a ground-level inspection after the domes are completely installed, rather than relying only on the initial plans submitted by organisers.
The final NOC will be issued only after officials are satisfied that the venue, exits, firefighting arrangements and access routes meet the required safety standards.
