In February 2010, a deadly fire tore through the seven-storey commercial building on Bengaluru's Old Airport Road, claiming nine lives and injury 70 others. The fire exposed severe lapses in fire safety measures in the then rapidly growing city.
Published Feb 18, 2025 | 9:43 AM ⚊ Updated Feb 18, 2025 | 7:41 PM
Beyond Carlton aims to make India 100 percent fire safe. (Supplied)
Synopsis: Fifteen years since losing his son in a devastating fire at Bengaluru’s Carlton Towers that killed nine people and injured 70 others, Uday Vijayan has transformed personal tragedy into meaningful change through his advocacy group Beyond Carlton. His efforts have led to significant improvements in fire safety standards across the city and state, including mandatory safety features in new buildings, regular inspections, and compulsory resident training programs.
“I remember the call like it was yesterday,” says Uday Vijayan, his voice thick with emotion. “It was a bright, sunny morning, and I was at home when I got the news.
“A fire had broken out at Carlton Towers. My heart sank. My son, who had gone to work that day, was inside. I just knew. And when I reached the scene, I couldn’t get to him.”
On 23 February 2010, a deadly fire tore through the seven-storey commercial building on Bengaluru’s Old Airport Road, trapping people inside. Inhaling the toxic fumes caused by the fire cost the lives of nine people, along with injuries to 70 others.
Vijayan’s son, Akhil Uday, a young man with a bright future, was among the nine lives that the disaster cut short.
That horrific day, marked by loss and heartbreak, became the catalyst for Vijayan’s life-changing journey – one driven by a need to ensure such a tragedy would never be repeated.
Beyond Carlton, an advocacy group founded by Vijayan, has since become a symbol of hope for fire safety reforms across the city and state.
“Nothing prepares you for losing a child,” Vijayan reflects sombrely. “But I realised I couldn’t just sit back and do nothing. My son didn’t die in vain; I have to keep fighting for a safer tomorrow.”
Vijayan’s resolve has led to a series of significant changes in fire safety protocols across the city and state.
Today, his advocacy has made a real impact, and while there is still much to be done, the journey has not been in vain.
The fire at Carlton Towers revealed severe lapses in fire safety measures in a rapidly growing city, but since then, Bengaluru’s fire systems have undergone significant changes.
Beyond Carlton Signs MoU with Odisha State Disaster Management Authority to Prepare Comprehensive Fire Safety Framework and Plan For Twin Cities of Bhubaneshwar and Cuttack. (Supplied)
One of the most notable improvements has been in the design of new buildings.
Vijayan points out that in recent years, modern commercial and residential complexes have begun incorporating fire safety features like setbacks – empty spaces around buildings to allow fire trucks to access them during emergencies.
These measures have been crucial in ensuring timely evacuations and firefighting responses.
“We’re starting to see fire trucks being able to get into the complex much quicker than before,” says Vijayan. “Developers have built the newer buildings, both residential and commercial, with fire safety in mind.”
Additionally, fire safety protocols have been integrated into apartment associations, with fire drills, training sessions, and regular inspections now mandated by the fire department.
The government has made it mandatory for high-rise buildings to get a clearance certificate every two years.
Gone are the days when people turned a blind eye to fire safety, a trend that Vijayan believes is slowly changing thanks to increased awareness and legal pressure.
“The PIL (Public Interest Litigation) filed after the Carlton Towers fire led to stricter compliance checks by the fire department,” he shares.
“Now, buildings must undergo inspections, and apartment owners have to ensure that fire safety amenities are in place.
“It’s becoming routine for high-rise buildings to get a clearance certificate every two years.”
One of the most important reforms has been the introduction of mandatory fire safety training for residents of large apartment complexes.
The fire department now requires a certain percentage of residents to undergo fire evacuation training, ensuring that people know exactly what to do in case of an emergency.
While the process still faces resistance, Vijayan believes that this is a step in the right direction.
“The fire department insists on training residents, even though it’s been a challenge to make it effective. At least there’s recognition now that people need to know what to do in case of a fire. It’s a small win,” he says.
Burn Prevention and Life Safety session at Government High School, Byatarayanapura (Supplied).
Beyond Carlton has been at the forefront of pushing for these reforms. Their advocacy, in collaboration with government bodies, has resulted in more stringent regulations and greater attention to fire safety in urban planning.
Vijayan is particularly proud of the blueprint for fire safety developed in Karnataka, which other states like Odisha are now adopting.
Despite the positive changes, Vijayan is quick to acknowledge that there is still a long way to go. “We’re not there yet,” he admits.
“There’s still a deep-rooted apathy in society. People believe that a tragedy like this can never happen to them, and that’s a mentality we have to change.”
He points to issues of non-compliance, particularly in illegal businesses and informal establishments, which remain a significant challenge to fire safety.
“The challenge is not just having the best laws; it’s about enforcing them,” Vijayan says. “Human nature is reluctant to comply, and in a country with our population density, that only adds to the difficulties.”
However, Vijayan remains cautiously optimistic. “I’m hopeful, though. We’ve moved the needle, and that’s something to be proud of. Things are changing, and we’ll keep pushing until fire safety is a top priority everywhere.”
On this 15th anniversary, as Vijayan reflects on the immense pain and progress, a memorial service will be held at St Joseph’s High School Auditorium to remember the lives lost and honour the legacy of the survivors.
The event will serve as a solemn reminder of the tragic day and the ongoing fight for fire safety.
“We’ll gather, we’ll remember, and we’ll continue our mission,” Vijayan says. “It’s not just about the fire; it’s about ensuring that nothing like this ever happens again.”
As the memorial draws near, Vijayan and Beyond Carlton remain dedicated to pushing for change.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
