Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium Faces Major Problem Post Stampede, Punished For Missing Fire Safety Clearance: Report

In a significant move aimed at enforcing fire safety compliance, the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (Bescom) has disconnected the power supply to M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The action was taken after it was discovered that the stadium lacked a mandatory fire safety clearance specifically, the Fire No Objection Certificate (Fire NOC).

Acco0rding to India Today report, Based on recommendations from the Director General of Karnataka Fire and Emergency Services, Bescom was instructed to cut power to the stadium premises. Though the stadium is owned by the Karnataka government, its day-to-day operations, maintenance, and events are overseen by the KSCA.

Stampede forces thorough safety check

The stadium, operated by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), came under scrutiny following a recent tragedy on June 4, when a stampede outside the venue during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL victory celebration claimed 11 lives. The incident prompted a deeper inspection into the stadium's safety protocols, revealing the absence of essential fire certifications.

What Is Fire NOC and What happens is not taken?

The Fire NOC is a legal prerequisite for stadiums and other large public venues in Karnataka, aimed at ensuring that the premises meet strict fire safety standards. This includes the presence of functioning fire alarms, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, extinguishers, clear emergency exits, and proper evacuation plans. Regular maintenance and inspections are also required to ensure that all equipment remains functional and up to code.

Failure to obtain or renew a Fire NOC is not a minor oversight it carries serious consequences, including monetary fines, criminal liability, and shutdown of the facility. In this case, the lack of certification has already led to the disconnection of electricity, effectively halting activities at one of India’s premier cricketing venues.

Will Chinnaswamy receive power supply?

Chinnaswamy Stadium, which seats over 35,000 spectators and regularly hosts international matches, now faces an uncertain timeline for resuming operations until the KSCA fulfills all fire safety requirements