Jigardan Gadhvi’s ‘Sachi Navratri’ Garba held without fire noc Questions Raised Over Safety Checks

Singer Jigardan Gadhvi’s ‘Sachi Navratri’ Garba event on New Science City Road was held on October 11 even though the Fire Department’s No Objection Certificate (NOC) had reportedly not been issued. The NOC was reportedly granted on October 12, putting the spotlight on the fire safety approval process and the roles of the Fire Department, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and police.

With large crowds attending Garba events, proper firefighting arrangements, safe evacuation routes and clearly marked emergency exits are essential. However, officials reportedly raised concerns over several safety measures at the venue. The event went ahead despite four inspections by Fire Department teams.

Four Inspections Raised Fire Safety Concerns

On October 11, In-charge Chief Fire Officer Mithun Mistry, Additional Chief Fire Officer Jayesh Khadia and other officials visited the venue. Fire Brigade personnel and Sola police teams also reached the site.

Officials inspected the venue at around 4 pm and again at 9.30 pm. During the inspections, they reportedly flagged concerns over firefighting equipment, fire-retardant spray, emergency exits and exposed electrical wires, among other arrangements.

Despite these inspections, the event was held before the NOC was reportedly issued. Whether the deficiencies identified by officials were rectified and the necessary safety measures completed before the event remains a key question.

Fire Department Planned Notice to Organisers

In-charge Chief Fire Officer Mithun Mistry said the department was preparing to issue a notice to the organisers and would also inform the police.

Mistry said officials found the venue lights switched off when they arrived at around 9.30 pm on October 11. He added that the department would wait until 4 pm on October 12 to verify whether the required safety arrangements had been completed before informing the police.

The Fire Department is understood to have issued the NOC on October 12, a day after the Garba event.

The timing has raised questions over whether the safety concerns flagged during the inspections were addressed before approval was granted, what checks were completed before the NOC was issued, and why the event proceeded on October 11 when the required clearance was reportedly pending.

The episode has also raised concerns over the coordination and enforcement of fire safety requirements by the Fire Department, AMC and police at large public gatherings.