Bhubaneswar, Oct 28: The Odisha Fire and Disaster Response Academy (OFDRA) has reprimanded the management of Odisha Television Limited (OTV) over non-compliance of fire safety norms in its office premises at Patia in the State capital.

The OFDRA has sent a letter to the management of the Odia news channel asking them to comply with the fire safety norms. OFDRA has conducted fire safety inspection at the office on October 7.

During inspection, the authorities have found several shortfalls and deviations in fire safety norms. “During inspection it was observed that the building has been granted occupancy permission by BDA exclusively for office purpose. But the basement of the office is being used as studio, dining hall and makeup room violating the occupancy permission of the BDA. Also the basement which was permitted for parking only has been converted for the above usages,” read the letter of the OFDRA.

The authorities further advised the OTV management to comply with the shortcomings and deviations early and intimate them for further inspection for issue of fire safety certificate.

““The studio contains many fire prone materials and electronics server room etc. having threat of fire hazard. Many staff are working in the basement studio. In case of any fire hazard, there may be loss of lives as there is no ventilation system in the basement,” further added the letter.