‘Fire officer can seal building if norms not followed’
Fire safety in buildings in the capital has always been an issue of concern for the Delhi High Court, which has laid down various directions from time to time for the authorities here to follow not only for the prevention of fire but for the safety of the people at large.
Last year, the High Court had observed that restaurants operating in first floor flats of capital’s posh Khan Market are a fire trap, with no proper measures for escape in the event of fire.
Terming it as “a disaster waiting to happen”, the HC had directed the Delhi Fire Service to inspect the restaurants for violation of safety norms. It also reminded of the 1997 Uphaar Cinema tragedy in which 59 persons lost their lives and more than 100 persons suffered injuries.
While Building Bye-laws and other laws are in place to ensure safety of buildings and inhabitants, a performance audit conducted by Comptroller and Auditor General last year had found that about 80% government hospitals in Delhi do not comply with basic fire safety norms.
This is despite a 2004 HC judgment ruling that owner or occupier of any building with height of 15 metres, erected in Delhi, must provide fire safety measures. The HC had said that it was the responsibility of the chief fire officer to see that fire safety measures are provided in highspecial rises, business buildings or mercantile buildings in accordance with Building Bye-laws.
It had directed the authorities, including the electricity distribution companies, to not supply essential services such as electricity to a new high-rise building unless and until it is erected in accordance with the law and bye-laws.
It had ordered the fire officers to carry out periodical as well as surprise checks to ensure that the fire safety measures provided in the high-rises are in place and in working condition.
On failure to comply with the Building Bye-laws, the High Court had said that the fire officer can take steps to get the essential supplies such as water and electricity to such buildings disconnected and get the buildings sealed.