Bhubaneswar:  In the wake of major fire mishap at a coaching centre in Surat that claimed lives of over 20 students, Odisha Fire Services Department has swung into action and is conducting raids at several coaching centres in the Twin City of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar today.

Reportedly, 22 teams have been formed to conduct simultaneous raids at the coaching centres to inspect their fire safety arrangements. The teams will check whether the coaching centres have been issued fire safety certificate and are following necessary guidelines to avoid any eventuality.

Odisha Fire and Disaster Response Academy (OFDRA) Chief Fire Officer Maheswar Swain said, “Earlier evacuation mock drill and various awareness programmes were being held at every educational institutions. Following the Surat tragedy, we are mainly focusing on coaching centres now.”

He further informed that the inspection teams would raid 22 coaching centres in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack today. Besides, the fire officials will sensitize the students on various life saving and rescue techniques in time of unforeseen emergency fire situations, Swain added.

This apart, owners of the coaching centres will be strictly instructed to adopt essential fire preventive measures within a stipulated time frame.

Some of the institutes that are being inspected include Akash Institute, Allen Carrer, FIITJEE, Adyant, Bajirao IAS Academy, Vanik and Narayan Classes, sources added.