PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE /Dehradun
Following the recent fire at a club in Goa which killed 25 people, authorities in Dehradun have issued a strong renewed warning to nightlife hotspots in the city.
Dehradun senior superintendent of police Ajai Singh said it is extremely unfortunate that such a major accident took place in Goa and that nine of the victims were reportedly Uttarakhand natives. According to information circulated in the media, the tragedy was caused by a cylinder blast, which killed many and left many people injured.
He said that after this incident, instructions have been given to the Fire Service to conduct a safety audit in bars, lounges and popular hotels across Dehradun. As per the rules, every establishment must undergo a safety audit once every three years. He added that special checking is carried out in big bars and lounges where large events are often organised. If any safety lapses are found, the establishments will be issued notices to immediately fix the shortcomings.
Meanwhile, an official highlighted that several similar incidents in the country show how narrow exits, staircases not clearly visible and overcrowded dance floors can turn a small spark into a massive disaster. Items such as wooden cladding, soundproof foam, acoustic panels and plastic LED fitting catch fire quickly and can worsen the situation within seconds when they melt or ignite.
Authorities also noted that overcrowding in bars and lounges increase the risk of stampedes. People under the influence of alcohol often find it difficult to escape quickly during emergencies, making evacuation even harder. Overcrowding is commonly seen in various Dehradun clubs, especially in the Rajpur Road area, where several bars operate close to each other.
With Christmas and New Year approaching, the police have decided to intensify inspections in hotels, bars and lounges. The SSP said that a large number of tourists also visit Uttarakhand during the festival season and therefore it is essential to recheck all fire safety norms to ensure that celebrations remain safe for everyone.
