Jaipur: Rajasthan State Human Rights Commission (RSHRC) Tuesday directed Jaipur authorities to ensure adequate water availability, functional hydrant points and sufficient firefighting resources across the city following a major fire at Sethi Complex in Walled City’s Purohit Ji Ka Katla on Sept 17. The commission has specifically asked Jaipur Municipal Corporation and the fire department to ensure that fire tenders are adequately equipped with water and sufficient pressure for immediate response during emergencies.Taking cognisance of the fire incident, the commission’s chairperson Justice GR Moolchandani has sought detailed information on the location of fire stations and hydrants, availability and storage of water, capacity of fire tenders, emergency response times, firefighting equipment and the action taken against establishments operating without required fire safety clearances. Authorities have been directed to submit factual reports on these issues before the next hearing, scheduled for Oct 9. The chairperson directed that the required information be provided through Deputy Commissioner (Fire), Jaipur Municipal Corporation, Commissioner, Jaipur Municipal Corporation and District Magistrate, Jaipur.The directions come after the commission conducted an on-site inspection of the fire-affected premises. During the inspection, officials found narrow access routes, densely packed shops and burnt commercial material scattered outside the affected premises. The commission also raised questions over the absence of gauge meters to determine the quantity of water stored in the fire tenders.
