Systemic Lapses in Fire Safety: Manipulated NOC Issuance Under Scrutiny After Devastating Market Blaze
Shivashakti Textile Market Fire: Controversial Fire NOC Renewal Process Under Scrutiny; Losses Estimated at ₹800 Crore
A devastating fire at the Shivashakti Textile Market in Surat has reduced property worth approximately ₹800 crore to ashes in less than 48 hours. The catastrophic blaze, which claimed one life and left traders heartbroken, raises serious questions about building safety standards and regulatory oversight in Gujarat.
A Shocking Loss and Lingering Questions
The staggering figure of ₹800 crore is as shocking in reality as it is on paper. In under two days, the fire consumed assets worth this enormous sum. Although the blaze has now been contained, the disaster has exposed significant vulnerabilities in many of Gujarat’s commercial structures. This incident forces the public to ask: Who is responsible for these deteriorating safety standards? Is it individual negligence, institutional lapses, or a failure of the entire administrative system?
The Fire NOC Conundrum
A critical issue emerging from this tragedy is the validity and issuance of the building’s Fire NOC (No Objection Certificate). In the case of the Shivashakti Textile Market, officials confirmed that the building did have a valid Fire NOC. However, questions remain about the process: Under what rules was this NOC granted, and who authorized it?
In Gujarat, the initial issuance of a Fire NOC is handled by the Fire Brigade. For renewals, however, the authority is delegated to a Fire Safety Officer (FSO). Despite the title, FSOs are outsourced personnel who do not receive a government salary. They issue a letter certifying the NOC after following a government-mandated process. In theory, if all protocols were properly followed, the renewal for the Shivashakti Textile Market should have cost around ₹15,000. However, the investigation suggests the reality is far more complex.
Unmasking the Process
An investigation by Divya Bhaskar over three days revealed that the renewed Fire NOC for the market was issued by FSO Nikunj Padasalaa on March 3, 2024. Further scrutiny uncovered alarming lapses in the inspection process: despite regulations mandating a mock drill every six months, records indicate that not a single inspection was conducted by Nikunj, even though he has renewed NOCs for 333 buildings to date.
A particularly startling revelation is the involvement of Divyesh Dhola. On February 19, 2024, Dhola—who later emerged as a key applicant for the NOC renewal—filed the application on behalf of the Shivashakti Textile Market Association. Investigation records reveal that Dhola, along with Nikunj Padasalaa and Tejas Tejani, jointly operates a firm called Safe Care Enterprise in Surat. Dhola is the managing director of the firm and also serves as a fire protection consultant for the Surat Municipal Corporation, according to official records.
When questioned about his name appearing on the renewed NOC, Divyesh Dhola stated, “I am not a trader at the market; I am a fire consultant. When the new system was launched, many were unaware of the proper application process, so I applied using my credentials.” His statement raises concerns that the process may have been manipulated, highlighting serious issues regarding regulatory oversight and accountability.
This incident not only underscores the perilous state of commercial safety in parts of Gujarat but also exposes systemic problems in the issuance and renewal of Fire NOCs. The revelations demand a thorough re-examination of current protocols to prevent future disasters.
