29 years after Uphaar tragedy, victims’ association says no lessons learnt
29 Years After Uphaar Tragedy, Victims’ Group Calls for Stronger Accountability
29 years after Uphaar tragedy victims – As the 29th anniversary of the Uphaar cinema hall fire approaches, the Victims’ Association of the Uphaar Tragedy is emphasizing the lack of progress in holding accountable those responsible for negligence that led to the loss of 59 lives. The group reiterated its call for stricter enforcement of safety protocols, citing recent fire incidents in Delhi as proof that systemic gaps persist.
Commemorative Rituals and Ongoing Concerns
On Saturday, the association gathered at Green Park, near the former Uphaar cinema site, to conduct their annual ritual and prayer ceremony, commemorating the 59 victims of the June 13, 1997, fire and the injured individuals in what remains one of India’s most devastating cinema hall disasters.
Progress and Persistent Challenges
Neelam Krishnamoorthy, president of the association, noted that while fire safety standards have seen incremental updates over the years, the application and enforcement of these measures remain inconsistent. She highlighted that improvements are often superficial, with regulatory oversight frequently falling short.
Recent Tragedies and Regulatory Lapses
The association pointed to recent tragedies, such as the Malviyanagar stay facility fire that resulted in 23 fatalities, as evidence of ongoing safety issues and regulatory failures. “These incidents expose a recurring issue where safety breaches are frequently ignored, and certification processes are often expedited without thorough examination,” the statement said.
“The existing legal framework has not proved adequate to deter those who place profits above human lives,” the association said, underscoring the need for a dedicated law targeting man-made disasters stemming from safety code violations.
Proposed Legal Reforms
The group called for a dedicated law targeting man-made disasters stemming from safety code violations, advocating for expedited investigations, specialized judicial bodies, and stricter penalties for those whose actions or inactions cause loss of life. Such measures, they argue, would ensure timely justice and prevent future tragedies.
Krishnamoorthy reflected on the enduring quest for justice by the families of the 59 victims, who have yet to achieve full accountability three decades after the incident. “As we honour the memory of 59 victims who lost their lives, we renew our commitment to the fight for transparency, accountability, and public safety,” she said in a statement.
The Uphaar cinema hall fire claimed 59 lives and left more than 100 people injured, sparking a prolonged legal battle by victims’ families and raising questions about fire safety standards and emergency preparedness in public spaces.