Has the Surat Civic Body Identified 7,642 Properties for Safety Compliance Checks?
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Synopsis
In a proactive measure following a tragic fire incident, the Surat Municipal Corporation identifies 7,642 properties for safety checks, aiming to enhance compliance and accountability. This initiative seeks to prevent future disasters in high-footfall areas.
Key Takeaways
- 7,642 properties flagged for safety compliance in Surat.
- New Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure safety.
- Property owners must confirm adherence to construction plans.
- Quarterly updates on property compliance.
- Aimed at preventing future tragedies.
Surat, June 11 (NationPress) Following the devastating fire incident at the TRP Game Zone in Rajkot, the Gujarat government has mandated local authorities to pinpoint all properties accommodating gatherings of 50 or more individuals and to formulate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to bolster safety.
The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has devised SOPs for nine key sectors, including textile markets, diamond units, game zones, hospitals, and banquet halls.
Furthermore, the SMC is nearing completion of a thorough city-wide survey aimed at recognizing such high-traffic areas.
The survey reveals that approximately 7,642 properties in Surat host gatherings of 50 or more people.
This figure encompasses nearly 2,950 educational institutions, over 1,300 hospitals, more than 290 banquet and community halls, about 1,150 restaurants and food courts, 69 game zones and amusement parks, around 400 shopping malls and supermarkets, more than 150 cinema halls and auditoriums, and nearly 1,300 religious locations.
For improved supervision, the textile and diamond markets have also been categorized under shopping malls.
As part of the enforcement strategy, property owners will now need to submit written confirmations—once or twice annually—verifying that their properties adhere to the sanctioned construction plans and that no unauthorized alterations have occurred post-approval.
The SOPs establish accountability for municipal staff and officers conducting site inspections, fostering shared responsibility in the event of future incidents.
To facilitate ongoing oversight, zone-specific operations will be instituted.
Each municipal zone will maintain a registry of identified properties, updated quarterly—during the last week of March, June, September, and December.
Moreover, the Central Urban Development Department must receive a certificate from the respective department and division heads, attesting that no property remains unverified.
A registered and computerized database will be generated to document all properties across various categories, including their construction-use status and SOP adherence.
Upon concluding the survey, the SMC will initiate the collection of affidavits from property owners, formally acknowledging their responsibilities under the new safety regulations.
This initiative aims to avert future tragedies by ensuring accountability at both individual and institutional levels.
Point of View
It is crucial for local authorities like the Surat Municipal Corporation to implement stringent safety measures. This proactive approach aims not only to ensure compliance but also to safeguard lives, reflecting a responsible governance perspective that prioritizes public safety.
NationPress
13/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Surat Municipal Corporation to flag these properties?
The action was initiated following a tragic fire incident at the TRP Game Zone in Rajkot, leading the Gujarat government to mandate safety compliance checks for high-footfall properties.
How many properties are being flagged for safety compliance?
Approximately 7,642 properties in Surat are being flagged for safety compliance checks due to gatherings of 50 or more people.
What types of properties are included in the survey?
The survey includes educational institutions, hospitals, banquet halls, restaurants, game zones, shopping malls, cinema halls, and religious places.
What is required from property owners under the new SOPs?
Property owners must provide written guarantees confirming compliance with approved construction plans and report any unauthorized modifications.
How will compliance be monitored going forward?
Each municipal zone will maintain a database of properties, updated quarterly, and a certificate confirming verification will be submitted to the Central Urban Development Department.
