New Delhi – Marking 29 years since the devastating Uphaar cinema hall fire, the Association of Victims of Uphaar Tragedy (AVUT) on Saturday renewed its calls for enhanced accountability in cases of negligence leading to loss of life. The association highlighted that recurring fire incidents across Delhi indicate that critical lessons from the 1997 tragedy remain unlearned.
The annual commemoration, which included a havan and shanti paath, was held in Green Park, opposite the site of the former Uphaar cinema. The event served to remember the 59 individuals who perished in the June 13, 1997, fire and the numerous others injured in one of India’s worst cinema hall disasters.
AVUT president Neelam Krishnamoorthy stated that while fire safety norms have seen some improvements over the years, their implementation and enforcement continue to be weak. She pointed to recent fire incidents, such as the blaze at a Malviyanagar facility that claimed 23 lives, as evidence of persistent concerns regarding safety violations and inadequate regulatory oversight.
The association alleged that safety norms are frequently overlooked, and No Objection Certificates are often issued without proper scrutiny. This, AVUT contends, undermines public safety and dilutes accountability when disasters occur. The organization is advocating for a comprehensive law specifically addressing man-made disasters resulting from safety norm violations. Such legislation, AVUT proposed, should expedite investigations, establish special courts, ensure time-bound trials, and mandate stricter penalties for those found responsible for negligence or omissions leading to loss of life.
Krishnamoorthy emphasized that the existing legal framework has proven insufficient to deter entities that prioritize commercial interests over human lives. The association’s ongoing campaign seeks to ensure that justice is served and that preventative measures are strengthened to avert future tragedies. The Uphaar tragedy, which began with a transformer fire on the ground floor of the cinema hall, escalated rapidly due to blocked exits and inadequate fire-fighting systems, leading to mass casualties from asphyxiation and stampedes.
The Uphaar Cinema fire, which occurred during the screening of the film ‘Border,’ exposed critical deficiencies in public safety standards across the country. Despite legal battles and reforms initiated following the tragedy, AVUT maintains that the systemic issues of negligence and weak enforcement persist. The association’s continuous advocacy highlights the enduring struggle for justice and the urgent need for robust safety regulations and their strict adherence in all public spaces across India.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
