Fire and Rescue officials have asked the management of Oberon Mall,
Edappally, to enhance the safety and rescue measures at the building
after a fire that broke out on the top floor of the mall on Wednesday.

The
suggestions include provisions for providing proper ventilation and
emergency lighting system on the top floor. At least one-third of the
glass panels fixed at the external portion of the building should be
replaced with glass windows, which could be opened, officials said.

Meanwhile,
Mayor Soumini Jain has directed the Secretary of the Kochi Corporation
to review the safety aspects of all the high-rise buildings in the
corporation limits. Instructions have been issued to act against
buildings which have violated safety guidelines, said a statement issued
by Ms. Jain.

The service of all the building inspectors of the corporation will be used for the purpose.

A.S.
Anuja, Secretary of the Kochi Corporation, said the officials had been
asked to report on the safety aspects of all the high-rises in their
respective areas. The officials were instructed to compile a list of
buildings and identify the safety concerns, she said.

A senior
functionary of the corporation said the residents and occupants of
buildings, which were classified as unauthorised (UA) by the local body,
were unaware of the safety hazards in the buildings they occupied.

Report sought

At
a meeting called by District Collector K. Mohammed Y. Safirullah on
Wednesday, he asked the Assistant Divisional Officer, Fire and Rescue
Services, to submit a report on inspection of buildings within a week.