State of Fire Safety Standards in India

General Studies Paper -1

Context: Recent devastating fires in Delhi and Rajkot have brought to light the critical lack of fire safety measures in Indian cities.

About

• Despite established fire preparedness disciplines worldwide and repeated fire outbreaks over the past three decades, public spaces, housing, hospitals, and commercial buildings in India remain vulnerable.
• In 2022, over 7,500 fire accidents resulted in the deaths of 7,435 people in India, according to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
• Maharashtra and Gujarat, two of the most urbanized states, account for approximately 30% of fire-related deaths in the country.
• Past incidents like the Uphaar Cinema fire (1997), AMRI hospital fire (2011), Kamala Mills inferno (2017), and various hospital fires during the COVID-19 pandemic reveal a persistent neglect of safety standards

Challenges in Preventing Fire Accidents in India

• Non-compliance with Safety Regulations: Many establishments, like the Rajkot gaming centre, operate without necessary fire safety clearances and flout basic safety norms.
• Weak Municipal Oversight: Municipal bodies responsible for fire safety inspections are often understaffed and lack resources, leading to infrequent and ineffective checks.
• Neglect of Existing Guidelines: Detailed guidelines in the National Building Code and state-specific fire safety rules are often ignored, resulting in hazardous conditions.
  • National Building Code of India, 2016, it includes provisions for ‘Fire and Life Safety’ audits, these are only recommendatory, not mandatory.
• Inadequate Firefighting Infrastructure: A study indicates urban India has less than 40% of the required fire stations, and the existing infrastructure needs modernization.

Fire Safety Standards in India

• Fire safety standards in India are governed by the National Building Code (NBC) 2016, which provides comprehensive guidelines for fire prevention, protection, and life safety in buildings.
• Part 4 of the NBC details fire and life safety requirements, including building materials, fire exits, firefighting equipment, and alarm systems.
• Each state has its own Fire Services Act, which outlines the powers and responsibilities of fire services and enforces fire safety regulations.
• The BIS sets standards for fire safety equipment like extinguishers, hoses, and alarms.
• Director-General of Civil Defense, Home Guards, & Fire Services under the Ministry of Home Affairs oversees fire management.
• National Fire Service College, Nagpur provides training and education for fire service personnel.

Steps Taken For Fire Safety

• Scheme for Expansion and Modernization of Fire Services in the States: Launched by the Centre in 2023, this scheme aims to strengthen fire services in states until 2025-26 by providing financial assistance for upgrading equipment, training personnel, and establishing new fire stations.
• Model Bill to Provide for the Maintenance of Fire and Emergency Service for the State: This model bill, circulated by the Centre, aims to facilitate the establishment and maintenance of efficient fire and emergency services at the state level.
• National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines: The NDMA has released guidelines covering scaling, types of equipment, and training for fire services across the country.
• Fire Safety Audits: Mandating fire safety audits in all buildings over 15 meters tall every two years by an independent entity.

Way Ahead

• Strict Enforcement of Regulations: Authorities must rigorously enforce fire safety regulations and penalize violators.
• Investing in Infrastructure: A 2018 FICCI-Pinkerton study revealed that urban India has less than 40% of the required fire stations. The 15th Finance Commission highlighted the need for modernizing firefighting infrastructure.
• Strengthening Municipal Capacity: Municipal bodies need increased resources and training to conduct regular and thorough fire safety inspections.
• Policy Implementation and Monitoring: Ensure strict adherence to the National Building Code and state-specific fire safety regulations.
  • Regular audits of compliance, particularly in vulnerable facilities like hospitals.
• Accountability and Legal Reforms: Hold violators accountable through stringent penalties and legal action.
  • Fast-track the implementation of recommendations from past disaster investigations.
• Prioritizing Healthcare Facilities: Special attention must be given to fire safety in healthcare facilities, considering the presence of flammable materials and vulnerable patients.