Commentary] Can we ensure Fire safety in Buildings that don't require NOC from the Fire Department?

Abstract

This commentary highlights the need for fire safety provisions in buildings that do not require a clearance from the Fire Department of Delhi before construction at the time of building plan approval. The National Human Rights Commission in a petition by the author has directed the Delhi Government and the Delhi Fire Services to look into the matter and provide a reply. This study has highlighted a newspaper article which has reported that ten out of 16 major fire incidents from 2015 have been in residential buildings. All residential buildings below 15 metres, and similar rules for business buildings, means a major stock of buildings in Delhi do not fall under the Delhi Fire Department's pre-construction fire check requirement. The author has suggested that a self certification method will not only put social pressure on the building owners, but will also create a grassroot movement without any compliance burden. The self certification can be manifested as a list of all fire safety installations put up at the entrance of a premises, assuring the visitor of some likelihood of safety against a fire. The intent of the commentary is to bring to light this gap so that awareness for its transformation can take place.