Hyderabad: Even though there have been no fires in theatres, movie fans are at risk as 60 per cent of single screen theatres do not have no-objection certificates (NOC) issued by the GHMC’s fire prevention department. “Fire safety rules are preventive. It is illogical to say that as there have been no mishaps we don’t need any,” an official said.

As most multiplexes in the city measure 15 metres and above the NOC and its annual renewal is given by the State Disaster Response and Fire Services (SDRFS). Other theatres have to obtain NOC from the GHMC’s fire prevention wing. Only after obtaining a certificate can they get the license from the police commissioner.

Issuing a license to a theatre can be confusing, the officials said. “The structural stability NOC is valid for three years, the fire safety for three years and the electricity department NOC is valid for two years. The departments are trying to bring uniformity in this,” the senior official said. Installing fire safety equipment is costly. Depending on the height of the theatre safety measures would cost between Rs 5 lakh to Rs 12 lakh. As profits are falling, theatres aren’t showing interest, the officials said.

The officials confessed that they are helpless. "We can’t take any action against those flouting fire safety rules. The maximum we can do is launch legal proceedings. They can get away by paying a fine,” said the official.

"It speaks about the attitude we have towards preventive measures."