Fri Oct 04 02:42:50 UTC 2024: ## Garba Season Kicks Off Amidst Fire Safety Concerns in Gujarat
**Ahmedabad, Surat (October 4, 2023):** As Gujarat celebrated the first night of Navratri, a significant number of garba venues in Ahmedabad and Surat struggled to secure Fire Safety Certificates (FSC) before the festivities began.
In Ahmedabad, only two-thirds of organizers had obtained FSCs by Thursday evening, while less than a third received final police permission just an hour before the garba celebrations commenced. The urgency stemmed from the mandatory FSC requirement for large-scale garba events, introduced following the tragic TRP Game Zone fire in Rajkot in May that claimed 27 lives.
Out of 90 applications for fire safety inspection in Ahmedabad, only 58 were granted FSCs by 7:30 PM. While the number increased to 64 by 8:30 PM, a significant 26 venues remained without the necessary certificate, preventing them from securing police permission for the first night of Navratri.
In Surat, the situation was similar, with only two organizers receiving fire certificates by Thursday evening, while two others were still awaiting clearance. Despite over 17 professional organizers hosting garba events across the city, only 12 had obtained permission after meeting fire safety norms.
Both police departments in Ahmedabad and Surat emphasized their rigorous checks for fire, health, electrical, and structural safety before granting permission.
Meanwhile, in Rajkot, the chief fire officer, Amit Dave, has announced his resignation due to health issues and family obligations. Dave will leave his post by the end of the month, citing the need to care for his mother and son following his father’s death.
The rush to obtain fire safety clearance highlights the heightened awareness and emphasis on safety following the Rajkot tragedy. While the festive spirit of Navratri continues, the challenge of ensuring safety remains a crucial concern for organizers and authorities alike.
First Piper 