Bhubaneswar, Jun 24: In the wake of the tragic fire at a Lucknow coaching centre that claimed several lives, the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) has directed immediate fire safety inspections across schools, coaching centres, and skill development hubs in the state.

Special Relief Commissioner and OSDMA Managing Director Rajesh Prabhakar Patil issued instructions to all District Collectors and Disaster Management Authorities, stressing that the safety of students, faculty, and staff must remain paramount. With the new academic session beginning, local administrations have been asked to conduct rigorous field inspections to ensure compliance with the Odisha Fire Prevention and Fire Safety Rules, 2017, and the amended rules of 2025.

The directive mandates joint inspection teams to verify fire safety certificates, equipment functionality, and emergency preparedness. Institutions have been instructed to avoid storing combustible materials in classrooms or evacuation routes, maintain electrical systems, provide adequate exits and signage, and conduct quarterly fire safety awareness programmes and mock drills in coordination with Fire Services.

Each institution must designate trained Fire Safety Wardens and Nodal Officers, prepare emergency response plans, and prominently display evacuation procedures along with contact details of Fire Services, Police, Health Departments, and District Emergency Operation Centres.

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The state government has also set up a multi‑agency monitoring mechanism involving Revenue, Fire Services, Education, and Skill Development departments. Institutions found lacking adequate fire safety measures will face immediate action and be required to rectify deficiencies within a stipulated timeframe.

District Collectors have been asked to submit Action Taken Reports within 15 days, detailing inspections, deficiencies identified, and corrective steps taken.