Asking to chalk out specific guidelines for such buildings, the minister said: “There are specific guidelines for shops and another set of guidelines applicable for shopping malls. But now, we have to think in terms of a fresh set of fire safety regulations for these giant shops. They are mushrooming all over the state and cannot be clubbed with malls. We have to consider amending the existing law.”
Director General, Fire services, Anil Kumar said while new shopping malls had to obtain clearance from fire department before they begin construction, the problem was with the shops that operated from old buildings. The Act was amended in 1996 with inclusion of fire prevention and Fire Safety Rules.