Mohali: The Punjab state human rights commission (PSHRC) has taken serious note of a fire incident at Bollywood Green City, Sector 113, on the Landran-Fatehgarh Sahib Road in Mohali, and sought updated, comprehensive safety status reports of all residential societies and high-rises in the district. The commission initiated suo motu proceedings after a video of a flat engulfed in flames went viral on social media. PSHRC member Jitender Singh Shunty expressed grave concern over the fire, which reportedly began in flat no. 58-C and spread to adjoining units, triggering panic among residents. Fire tenders brought the blaze under control, but allegations surfaced that the society lacked adequate firefighting systems and mandatory safety equipment.
The commission observed that the episode points to wider deficiencies in fire safety preparedness, disaster prevention mechanisms and monitoring of building safety across both existing and under-construction residential complexes in Mohali.Taking cognisance of these gaps, the PSHRC has sought detailed reports from the chief administrator of Gmada, the MC chief, the deputy commissioner, the district disaster management authority and the senior superintendent of police. The reports must be submitted on the next hearing date, Jan 27, without fail.The commission has directed that the reports clearly outline the current safety status of all residential societies and high-rise buildings with specific reference to early warning and monitoring systems, disaster management plans, evacuation protocols, routes, signage and refuge areas, emergency communication and public announcement systems, availability of firefighting equipment, CPR machines, stretchers, first-aid facilities, medical staff and ambulances, evacuation planning for persons with disabilities, structural deficiencies, potential hazards and gas maintenance systems.Officials have also been ordered to appear in person before the commission along with the requisite documents. Copies of the order and photographs of the incident site are being sent to the authorities by email and post.The fire has sparked widespread public concern over compliance with fire safety norms, disaster management guidelines and structural and non-structural safety standards during both construction and operational phases. The commission noted uncertainty over ground-level adherence to the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the National Building Code of India, 2016, BIS norms, NDMA guidelines, environmental regulations, urban planning laws and accessibility requirements under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.The PSHRC underscored that neglecting these statutory safety provisions endangers residents and constitutes a violation of their human rights. Given the implications for public safety, the Commission directed that the matter be treated as a top priority and concluded in a time-bound manner.
