Feroz Shah Kotla Ground,which is to host the first qualifier of the Indian Premier League between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians on Tuesday,has run into trouble with the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). The stadium has been using domestic LPG cylinders all these years,which has been adjudged unsafe and illegal by disaster management authorities. On inspection during and after the last IPL match played at the Delhi ground on May 10,the DDMA found inadequate fire safety measures at the stadium,which can seat over 50,000 spectators. It was found that domestic LPG cylinders were being used,which are very unsafe and illegal to use in commercial premises. So,a show cause notice was issued by the Central District Disaster Management Authority. Since a match cannot be cancelled at the last moment,we have given them a set of recommendations,which they have complied with for now. We have to be better prepared,than wait for a disaster to happen, DDMA Secretary Dharampal said. DDMA has been told that the stadium will not host any other match this year. Once this match is over,we have given the stadium authorities three months to make the requisite changes, Dharampal said. District officials said a final inspection was carried out on Monday,a report of which has been sent to Additional CP (Licensing) Madhup Tiwari. The NoC granted by the Fire Department clearly says there will be no domestic use of LPG. Since the stadium has been openly using domestic cylinders,the Fire department needs to clarify the NoC, the DDMA official said. While stadium authorities have assured that they will switch to commercial cylinders and piped gas after the match,DDMA officials said another round of inspections will be carried out during the match on Tuesday.
