Kozhikode: The fire at the Kozhikode Mofussil bus stand building has been described as both a warning and a wake-up call by Corporation Council party leader K.C. Shobhitha, deputy leader K. Moideen Koya, and ward councillor S.K. Aboobacker.

The incident has highlighted the Corporation’s inability to effectively respond to emergencies such as fires. The fire and rescue department reportedly took several hours to extinguish the blaze. One of the main challenges was the difficulty in accessing the upper levels of the building, delaying containment efforts.

Leaders attributed the delay to the building's unscientific structural design, which they said had been a known issue. Several parts of the structure are reportedly in a dilapidated state. Although a decision was made years ago to renovate the building, implementation has yet to begin. Despite hopes for government assistance, no support was received, the leaders noted.

They criticised the current administrative committee for what they termed a "failure of governance" and called on it to undertake serious introspection. The Corporation, they said, now stands in the dock over its handling of the crisis — a situation they labelled "worthy of protest."

They further pointed out that the fire and rescue infrastructure in the city remains largely symbolic, lacking the capacity to respond swiftly and effectively. The building in question had been partially demolished over two years ago but still remains unrestored.

The leaders also condemned the state government’s "negative stance" on establishing an advanced fire response system in Kozhikode, a demand long voiced by city residents.

Ward councillor S.K. Aboobacker also reminded the council of an earlier warning he had issued regarding the danger, suggesting that similar incidents could occur in other locations. However, he said, no action was taken in response.