Surat Shops Sealed for Fire Safety Violations to Reopen Conditionally

In a stringent safety measure following a fire incident in a Rajkot game zone, Surat Municipality sealed more than 900 properties lacking fire No Objection Certificates (NOC) and Building Use (BU) certificates. These properties included game zones, schools, hospitals, cloth markets, shops, complexes, and restaurants. The sealing had a significant impact on businesses, leaving many still closed.

The Municipality’s strict action led to protests from cloth market traders, prompting the authorities to initiate the process of reopening the sealed properties. This decision was made in public interest, allowing properties to reopen based on affidavits. Property owners who lacked fire NOC could have their properties reopened upon submission of an affidavit. Similarly, properties without BU could also reopen under the same condition, provided they complete the process of obtaining the necessary certificates within a stipulated period.

However, the responsibility for any incidents, such as fire, rests entirely on the property owners as stated in the affidavits. Schools have also required parents to fill out affidavits for children traveling in school vans.

The Municipality categorized the seal reopening process into three distinct categories:

1. Minor Defects: Owners must fix 11 types of defects within 10 days and submit an affidavit confirming the fire NOC and pending renewal.

2. No Fire NOC: Owners with BU but no fire NOC must submit an affidavit promising not to use the property for business until safety is established.

3. No BU: Owners without BU must remove unauthorized construction within 60 days or apply for regularization under the impact fee to obtain BU, along with the necessary affidavits.

The Municipal Corporation has made it clear that the seal will not be lifted for properties lacking both fire NOC and BU certificates due to severe safety concerns found during inspections. The responsibility for ensuring future safety measures lies solely with the property owners as outlined in the affidavits submitted for the reopening of seals.