Suri: The Birbhum district administration has constituted a special audit committee to inspect electrical installations and firefighting arrangements in hotels, lodges, guest houses, homestays and other establishments in Tarapith, hours after a blaze at a hotel in the temple town killed seven pilgrims and injured several others.The move comes ahead of Kaushiki Amavasya, when Tarapith is expected to witness a large influx of visitors.The committee will be chaired by the Rampurhat SDO or a representative, and will include representatives of the SDPO, Rampurhat, WBSEDCL, Birbhum fire services, PWD electrical and civil wings, Tarapith Rampurhat Development Authority (TRDA) and the subdivisional disaster management officer. Experts or other officers may also be included, if required.The team has been asked to urgently inspect establishments in the TRDA area, particularly those likely to accommodate pilgrims during Kaushiki Amavasya. The audit will examine the establishments’ wiring, distribution boards, meters, earthing, load capacity and compliance with electrical safety norms. It will also check fire extinguishers, hydrants, pumps, water storage, hose reels, alarms, smoke detectors, emergency lighting, exits, staircases, evacuation routes and statutory fire safety clearances.The team has to submit a preliminary report within 15 days, followed by a consolidated report, listing inspected premises, deficiencies, corrective action required and responsible authorities. The administration has warned that strict legal action will be taken against non-compliant establishments. The SDO and SDPO, Rampurhat, will coordinate inspections, follow-up measures and monitoring of compliance on a priority.
