Jammu Municipal Commissioner Dr Devansh Yadav on Thursday conducted an extensive inspection of several city areas to review the status of Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC) compliance and encourage commercial establishments to adhere to fire safety regulations within the stipulated timeframe.

The Commissioner visited Jewel Chowk, Bakshi Nagar, Subhash Nagar, Vivekananda Chowk and adjoining areas.

During the visit, he interacted with the managements of private hospitals, hotels, restaurants, clothing stores, shopping malls and other commercial establishments to assess the status of Fire NOC compliance and sensitise them about the importance of meeting fire safety norms.

Addressing representatives of various establishments, Dr Yadav said the primary objective of the exercise was to enhance public safety and foster a strong fire safety culture across the city. He assured the business community that the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) was committed to facilitating compliance in a transparent, cooperative and citizen-friendly manner.

To enable commercial establishments to fulfil the required fire safety norms, the JMC has provided a period of 30 to 45 days for obtaining the mandatory Fire NOC.

Dr Yadav clarified that no coercive action would be taken against any establishment that applies for a Fire NOC and actively undertakes the prescribed compliance measures within the stipulated period.

He also said the JMC would work in close coordination with the Chamber of Commerce, hotel associations and other trade bodies to ensure 100 per cent compliance with fire safety norms, thereby protecting lives and property while promoting a safer urban environment.