Cuttack, April 23: The majority of the theatres lack basic fire safety equipment as revealed in the fresh audit of the existing infrastructure in the city.

Sources in the fire services department said that over 50 per cent of the theatres did not have the required fire fighting equipment, which has now emerged as a major concern for the authorities.

So far, most of the theatres have only installed fire extinguishers - which is not enough in case of exigency.

"The fire safety measures are not available in most of the theatres, and we have already submitted a detailed inspection report in connection with the deficiencies at Brundaban Talkies in Cuttack," said fire officer (central range) B.B. Das. Reports about other theatres will be submitted shortly, he said.

Police commissioner R.P. Sharma said necessary steps would be taken against those violating the fire safety norms.

A senior fire official said every theatre should have advanced fire-fighting equipment, according to the National Buildings Code.

The guidelines say a theatre needs to have a hydrant system (an internal system connected with water source for immediate water supply), water sprinklers, smoke suction device and fire alarms. Besides, they also need to have proper exit routes with glow signage, apart from open spaces and wide corridors.

"Similar inspection of the existing fire safety measures is also being conducted in Bhubaneswar. Ravi Talkies has already been denied licence for such violations," Das said.

"We have not renewed licence of the theatre in Bhubaneswar and got reports of similar irregularities at Brundaban Talkies in Cuttack," said Sharma.

Sharma said the theatre authorities in Cuttack had moved court, and appropriate steps would be taken following the court direction. However, so far safety is concerned, the police will ensure that the fire safety measures are streamlined at theatres in the twin cities, he said.

The fire services department is carrying out a detailed inspection of the theatres in the twin cities following request by the police, which issue licence to the theatres.

Cuttack has six theatres. The authorities have sought relaxation in the norms keeping in view the lack of revenue generation due to poor turnout of audiences at the theatres.

"Installing the advanced fire fighting equipment will cost us nearly Rs 5 to Rs 10 lakh, and it is not possible to invest so much money," said Jayshree Talkies manager Udaynath Barik.

Earlier, the district collector used to issue licence, but the police take the decision after fire services department gives its nod.

So far, only the Sangam Cineplex authorities have installed the advanced fire fighting equipment.

"After the renovation of our theatre, established in 1982, we have taken steps for the safety of audiences and installed the advanced fire safety equipment," said Sangam Cineplex co-owner Sriram Pradhan.