Panelists say governments of centre and Delhi should cooperate to fight the menace of illegal, ill-equipped factories
Even as grieving families of the 43 persons killed in the Anaj Mandi factory fire in Delhi struggled to remain composed, questions are being raised on why such a mishap occurred in the first place. APN’s popular debate Mudda discussed some likely causes. Anchorperson Parivesh Vatsayan posed the questions to the panelists including the BJP’s Deven Pramukh, Congress’s Manoj Tiwari, Delhi Fire Service (DFC) former Director AK Sharma and noted advocate Jyotiresh Pandey.
Tiwari said: “When Shiela Dixit was chief minister, a survey on illegal factories and buildings was undertaken, but the government changed and nothing happened to that subsequently. Without obtaining a valid NOC why such buildings are operating? It is as if no one seems to care about the labour from Bihar, there was no registration, no government stamp. Even now I would say that the government would look at the issue briefly and then move on.”
Pramukh said: “I offer my sincere condolences to all those who died in such unfortunate circumstances. It needs to be seriously looked into why such mishaps are happening in Delhi. The AAP government is laying the blame on the centre, as the MCD comes under central government. Is this the time to do petty politics?”
Sharma said: “It’s really sad, all of us are responsible. First there was the Lal Kuan fire, the system is weak, no precautionary measures are taken. There is no time to waste. But let me say that by giving NOC, we don’t ensure that accidents will not happen. After we give licences, are there no mishap on the roads? The other issue is about the short circuit. Why was there no circuit breaker, no ISI wiring? Electrical short circuit issue can be there, but precautions need to be taken in time.”
Sharma said: “I would like to say that the Delhi Fire Service has the latest equipment. The issue is of the narrow lanes, and why such illegal construction is allowed in the first place.”
Pandey said: “It is a complete system failure. The Supreme Court has given the directions, the Bhure Lal committee on illegal colonies etc is there, but then politics scripts its own story. The Fire Service is responsible to ensure NOC. In Lucknow, four years back, 60 people died. In Ghaziabad and Noida too fire incidents are rampant. It is a complete system breakdown.”
Pramukh said: “I agree with Pandey, we need to look at the system. Leaders are here to answer, someone has to take ownership, there must have been reason for the short circuit. Now, you have made water and electricity free, that’s good for the people, but when you give the connection, don’t you see the hazards lurking there? Companies have to take responsibility. If the Delhi government can stop MCD funds, it can also tighten screws on the MCD.”
Tiwari said: “If the factory is in the wrong place, not on an industrial zone, it escalates the issue of pollution as well. First there was the big Uphaar fire tragedy, then at Karol Bagh and now this. The NOC is given by the government. Why were people allowed to stay in the factory after work? Such a casual attitude, there’s no monitoring. Shiela Dixit had said labour work should be specified.”
Pandey said: “If electricity comes under state, Fire Service is with the centre. There are hundreds of such illegal structures, factories and hotels, the governments should work in cooperation.”
Pramukh said: “Despite the awareness, people take NOCs lightly, and don’t care about renewals. I would say all people are responsible. It must have been due to financial constraints that the workers were sleeping in the premises. Businessmen try to make a fast buck without looking into rules and regulations. I agree governments need to join hands on this. There should be no politics on death. The law will eventually catch up with the guilty, but every business person needs to think.”
Tiwari said: “People have expectations from the government to ensure their safety. Why the factory was functioning? Illegal factories should be shut. If you go to any apartment, RWAs are there, but fire fighting is not even functional in many buildings. So the blame is squarely on the government.”
Pandey: “I would say that if you visit the same area after two months, the situation will not be vastly changed. It is the easy-going attitude that must change, and the governments should take responsibility to ensure rules are not flouted.”