Sambalpur: The newly inaugurated Doppler weather radar station at Jamadarpali in Odisha's Sambalpur has reportedly been commissioned without a fire safety certificate for its five-storey building.

The state's third Doppler radar station was inaugurated on Wednesday by the Chief Minister. The facility has been completed in about one-and-a-half years. However, questions have now been raised over the lack of a fire safety certificate.

According to information available, neither the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) nor the Works Department, which executed the construction, had applied for the required fire safety certification.

Importance of fire safety for Sambalpur radar station

Under fire safety norms and the National Building Code, buildings are required to undergo safety inspections after construction. The inspection covers several aspects, including emergency exits, evacuation arrangements, fire-fighting equipment, accessibility for fire tenders, water supply for fire-fighting and electrical safety.

Officials also assess the building's height, purpose, built-up area, number of floors and expected occupancy before issuing the required certificate.

The Sambalpur radar station is a five-storey structure housing expensive and specialised meteorological equipment. The reported absence of a fire safety certificate has therefore raised concerns, particularly amid growing incidents of fire mishaps linked to electrical short circuits.

Officials clarify status of building

Works Department Superintending Engineer Bibhupasad Lenka said the project belongs to OSDMA and the agency can provide details regarding the issue.

Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre's Director Dr Manorama Mohanty, meanwhile, said the building has not yet been formally handed over. She said the remaining work would be completed in phases.