Fire Safety Standards in India

Context

Recent devastating fires in Delhi and Rajkot have brought to light the severe 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 industrial homes in India continue to be inclined.
• In 2022, over 7,500 fire injuries resulted within the deaths of seven,435 people in India, as per the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
• Maharashtra and Gujarat,  of the maximum urbanized states, account for about 30% of fire-related deaths within the country.
• Past incidents like the Uphaar Cinema fire (1997), AMRI medical institution 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, perform 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 sources, leading to rare and ineffective checks.
• Neglect of Existing Guidelines: Detailed pointers within the National Building Code and state-particular fire safety regulations are regularly unnoticed, ensuing in dangerous situations.
  • National Building Code of India, 2016, it includes provisions for ‘Fire and Life Safety’ audits, those are simplest recommendatory, not mandatory.
• Inadequate Firefighting Infrastructure: A study suggests urban India has less than 40% of the specified fire stations, and the present infrastructure needs modernization.

Fire Safety Standards in India

• Fire safety requirements in India are ruled by the National Building Code (NBC) 2016, which presents comprehensive suggestions for fire prevention, safety, and life safety in buildings. 
• Part four of the NBC information fire and lifestyles safety necessities, which include building substances, fire exits, fire fighting system, and alarm systems.
• Each nation has its personal Fire Services Act, which outlines the powers and duties of fire services and enforces fire safety rules.
• The BIS unit standards for fire safety systems like extinguishers, hoses, and alarms.
• Director-General of Civil Defense, Home Guards, & Fire Services underneath the Ministry of Home Affairs oversees fire control. 
• National Fire Service College, Nagpur presents schooling and schooling for fire service personnel.

Steps Taken For Fire Safety

• Scheme for Expansion and Modernization of Fire Services within the States: Launched by the Centre in 2023, this scheme targets to bolster fire services in states till 2025-26 with the aid of presenting monetary help for upgrading equipment, training employees, and setting up new fire stations.
• Model Bill to Provide for the Maintenance of Fire and Emergency Service for the State: This version bill, circulated by way of the Centre, aims to facilitate the established order and safety of green fire and emergency services on the country stage.
• National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) suggestions: The NDMA has launched pointers overlaying scaling, varieties of equipment, and education for fire services throughout 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: Government must fastidiously enforce fire safety guidelines and penalize violators.
• Investing in Infrastructure: A 2018 FICCI-Pinkerton study revealed that urban India has much less than 40% of the specified fire stations. The 15th Finance Commission highlighted the need for modernizing firefighting infrastructure.
• Strengthening Municipal Capacity: Municipal bodies want improved sources and training to behave regularly and thorough fire safety inspections.
• Policy Implementation and Monitoring: Ensure strict adherence to the National Building Code and state-precise fire safety guidelines.
  • Regular audits of compliance, specifically in vulnerable facilities like hospitals.
  • Accountability and Legal Reforms: Hold violators accountable through stringent penalties and criminal activity.
  • Fast-song the implementation of suggestions from beyond disaster investigations.
• Prioritizing Healthcare Facilities: Special interests have to take delivery of fire safety in healthcare centers, thinking about the presence of flammable materials and vulnerable patients.

Source: The Hindu

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. Discuss the provision related to Fire Safety in India in the light of recent fire incidents. Also, suggest measures to improve fire safety in India.

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