LAHORE: The district government has made the availability of qualified doctors mandatory for health clubs/gyms and marriage halls in addition to installation of fire-fighting systems.

Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ali has ordered implementation of the Punjab Community Safety Act 2021 in gyms and marriage halls of the city.

He directed the administration of marriage halls and gym/fitness clubs to install fire-fighting system and made availability of medical officer and kit during the period of functions.

He said the marriage halls and fitness club administration should manage the fire-fighting equipment and depute a doctor on the premises during the functions within 15 days otherwise strict action would be taken against them.

He said the administration would start raiding and checking the halls and gyms after 15 days and would seal or impose a fine worth Rs1 million on the spot.

The DC said the fitness centre where more than 50 citizens would visit should have to depute a doctor while a paramedic should be deployed where the visitors number is less than 50.

He said the administrators should complete the requirement till the deadline otherwise they should get ready for action.

Earlier, the district administration of Lahore issued notices to 495 high-rise buildings of the metropolis to improve fire prevention facilities.

With sporadic fire breakout incidents recording an increase over the last few months, it has been revealed that around 80 per cent of high-rise buildings in Lahore either do not have or they lack fire safety equipment. The high-ups decided to take action under the Punjab Community Safety Act.

SEALED: The district administration has sealed 30 shops and restaurants and registered six cases against the owners over violation of anti-smog standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ali directed the district administration officials to take measures to implement anti-smog SOPs in the metropolitan city.

All the assistant commissioners of the city remained in the field to raid the shops and markets violating the closure of markets at 10pm.

Six cases were registered against the managers of the restaurants in city tehsil jurisdiction while restaurants and shops were sealed in Johar Town.

Shops and restaurants were also checked in Raiwind and Dharmpura and cases were registered against the owners and the managers.

Meanwhile, the district administration teams also demolished the buildings constructed on public land in Harbanspura and recovered eight kanal and five marlas land worth Rs101 million.

Published in Dawn, December 29th, 2022