Bhubaneswar: In the wake of a deadly fire at a coaching centre in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, which claimed 15 lives two days ago, the Odisha government on Wednesday directed all District Collectors and District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) to conduct immediate fire safety audits of educational institutions, coaching centres, and skill development hubs across the state.

In an official directive, Special Relief Commissioner and Managing Director of OSDMA, Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, asked district authorities to carry out field inspections to ensure strict compliance with the Odisha Fire Prevention and Fire Safety Rules, 2017, the amended 2025 rules, and other applicable safety regulations.

District administrations have also been instructed to closely monitor implementation and submit a consolidated action taken report within 15 days. The report must detail the number of institutions inspected, deficiencies identified, and corrective measures initiated.

Key measures mandated:

1. Comprehensive fire safety audit

District authorities will launch extensive inspections across all campuses, with special focus on high-rise buildings and congested urban areas. Teams will verify the validity of fire safety certificates and NOCs, and check the functionality of essential equipment such as fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, alarm systems, and emergency lighting.

Storage of combustible materials in classrooms and corridors has been prohibited, and institutions must ensure regular maintenance of electrical systems. Adequate emergency exits, clear signage, and periodic fire safety training and mock drills are also mandatory.

2. Safe evacuation arrangements

All exits, staircases, corridors, and escape routes must remain unobstructed at all times. Institutions are required to install clear signage indicating exits, assembly points, and emergency contacts. Doors along evacuation routes must open outward and remain easily accessible.

3. Capacity building and mock drills

Institutions must conduct regular fire safety awareness programmes for students and staff, preferably every quarter. Periodic mock drills will be carried out in coordination with Fire Services and local authorities. Each institution must designate trained Fire Safety Wardens and Nodal Officers.

4. Institutional preparedness

All institutions are required to prepare and prominently display an Emergency Response and Evacuation Plan tailored to their premises. Updated contact details of Fire Services, police, health departments, and District Emergency Operation Centres must be readily available. Clear internal protocols for emergency reporting and response must also be established.

5. Special focus areas

Priority will be given to institutions operating in rented buildings, commercial complexes, basements, and those with high student density. Hostels and residential training centres will also undergo strict scrutiny for compliance with fire safety norms.

6. Enforcement and monitoring

A multi-agency mechanism involving officials from Revenue, Fire Services, Education, Higher Education, and Skill Development departments will oversee implementation. Institutions found lacking adequate fire safety measures will face strict action and must undertake corrective steps within a stipulated timeframe.