Bengaluru: Seven years after the horrific fire accident on February 23, 2010 which claimed the lives of nine people, Carlton Towers is all set to begin operations after it got the occupancy certificate from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagare Palike (BBMP) on June 1.
The seven-storeyed commercial complex on the Old Airport Road has also obtained clearance from the Fire and Emergency Services Department.
Former president of the Carlton Towers Owners’ Association Committee, Mr Giriraj Sadashiva, said, “Of the 160 units, nearly 20 units are occupied and we are offering unmatched standards in safety and compliance to statutory obligations.”
On being asked what went wrong on February 23 when nine people lost their lives and over 70 were injured, Committee secretary Joseph Thomas said, “None of us can blame any authorities. All we know is that smoke diffused in the building through wiring ducts. Even the police cannot say what went wrong that day.”
On reports that rents would be cut to shed the ghost of 2010, he said, “Due to the fire, rent can be marginally low, but the commercial complex is still located at the prime location. The prices are still higher compared to other commercial establishments.” Of the five lifts on the premises, one was damaged in the fire. But still, all five lifts have been replaced with upgraded technologies, he said.
