Barabati Stadium at Cuttack has been under severe scrutiny due to a lack of fire safety measures. The tension sparked as Cuttak will be hosting the second ODI of the three-match series against England on February 9. According to sources, the Revenue and Disaster Management (R&DM) had leased out the land to the Orissa government in favor of the Odisha Olympic Association. However, in a fire safety speculation that proceeded in 2022 noted various loopholes in the fire safety mechanisms of the stadiums. The directorate of the Fire Services wrote a letter to the R&DM department citing insufficient safety protocols, which include a shortage of fire extinguishers, a lack of sufficient emergency exits and proper evacuation plans, and non-functional hydrant systems. Despite getting more than 2 years after the speculations, no steps have been taken for the betterment. The letter said, “Despite repeated advice from the directorate, fire safety measures have not been taken by the associations concerned, in control of the complex. Public events are still being held without the fire safety certificate." Read also: BCCI Announces Rs 5 Crore Reward for U19 Women's T20 World Cup Winners The audit report has identified critical fire safety deficiencies in the buildings, towers, and blocks, including the absence of automatic fire detection, alarm, and public address systems. It also highlights the lack of automatic sprinkler systems on all floors, including basements. Additionally, the report points out structural safety concerns, stating that key areas such as the conference hall, new pavilion, gallery No-5, Corporate Box, Odisha Olympic Association, IMFA Block, and press gallery require additional staircases for safe evacuation. Furthermore, several driveways lack the necessary width, while some have been permanently obstructed by brick walls, limiting emergency access. CEO of Odisha Cricket Association vows to take necessary steps Subrat Behra, the CEO of the Odisha Cricket Association, has assured that necessary steps will be taken by the state government. Bishnu Mahapatra, the structural engineer of the stadium, has informed that the authorities are aware of the drawbacks and the stadium is undergoing renovations, adding new equipment, while DG of Fire and Emergency Service Sudhanshu Sarangi assured, “Large number of fire personnel, fire fighting vehicles and equipment will be deployed to ensure fire safety. We have asked the authorities concerned to make preventive arrangements for ensuring safety during events when fire personnel are not deployed.”