In the aftermath of the recent fire tragedies in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar, Vivek Vihar and Palam areas, the BJP government in Delhi is planning to enact laws to make fire safety measures in low-rise buildings mandatory, as confirmed by officials on Thursday (11th June).
According to reports, the Delhi government is considering recommendations for the mandatory fire safety measures in buildings, especially residential buildings, which are under 15 metres high. Such buildings do not need fire safety certificates under the existing bylaws. Currently, fire safety equipment such as hydrants, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers are mandatory only for high-rise buildings, which also require no-objection certificates (NOCs) from the state’s fire service department.
The Delhi Fire Service Department has made a proposal to make smoke detectors and fire extinguishers mandatory in all residential buildings. “We are reviewing the proposal. We believe that this will reduce fire incidents and casualties drastically. It will soon be sent to the Cabinet for further approval,” Home Minister Ashish Sood said.
The department also suggested a phased plan for installing basic fire safety equipment in existing buildings. The government is also considering the possibility of prescribing the use of less-flammable construction materials in buildings to improve overall fire safety.
“I am not in favour of a knee-jerk reaction, but if there is a fire in any home, the presence of fire hydrants, smoke detectors or emergency escape ladders can save several lives. While we are upgrading our fire safety mechanisms, the first responders in such situations are often the people present inside the building. Even in the existing ones where it is compulsory, we are finding ways to ensure the laws are followed,” the minister said.
“It has also come forward that storage of inflammable materials, electric overloading and violations of rules are the leading causes of fire. Besides actions, it is also time we make people aware of the dos and don’ts to prevent fire in houses, especially those located in densely populated areas with narrow lanes,” he added.
Data shows that the DFS receives over 20,000 fire calls, and 250-300 deaths occur due to fire every year. In the last six months alone, over 60 people have lost their lives in fire tragedies.
