Existing commercial buildings in Delhi may have to install automatic sprinkler systems and fire alarms under a proposed overhaul of the city’s fire safety rules, as the Government prepares to strengthen emergency response and address hazards ranging from electrical overloading to narrow lanes and densely populated neighbourhoods.
Home Minister Ashish Sood on Tuesday outlined a multi-departmental action plan to modernise the Delhi Fire Service (DFS).
The measures include increasing the department’s workforce, speeding up recruitment of fire personnel, procuring specialised equipment, setting up new fire stations and introducing third-party fire safety auditors. The proposed changes follow a review meeting chaired by the Lieutenant Governor at Lok Niwas.
The plan seeks to address operational difficulties faced by fire teams, including traffic congestion, limited access through narrow streets and the growing use of combustible materials such as synthetic furnishings and plastics in homes.
One key proposal is to review the DFS Rules to make sprinkler systems and fire alarms compulsory in existing buildings, aligning their safety requirements with those for new construction. The department will also issue formal advisories to property owners and occupants on fire safety requirements under the Building By-laws.
The Government has also identified electrical overloading as a major concern. Sood, who also holds the Power portfolio, said the department would direct power distribution companies BRPL, BYPL and TPDDL to address the problem by increasing sanctioned electricity loads where required and upgrading network capacity.
The workforce shortage in the fire service is another area targeted for intervention. The department will increase its sanctioned strength in accordance with the Ministry of Home Affairs report and the concurrence of the Administrative Reforms Department.
The Government will expedite recruitment of Station Officers and firefighters in coordination with the Home Department, Services Department, UPSC, and DSSSB. The Government also plans to introduce regular physical fitness assessments for fire service personnel.
To improve operational capacity, the DFS will procure specialised equipment and appliances to handle fires involving large quantities of combustible material. The department will use its memorandum of understanding with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation for major procurement. It will also overhaul its emergency communication system.
The plan includes establishing new fire stations in locations identified in the MHA report. The Delhi Development Authority will allot the required land, while the Public Works Department will execute the projects. The Government also intends to amend fire service rules to allow qualified private auditors to conduct fire safety assessments. Auditors and architects currently empanelled with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi will be considered for inclusion and receive training from the DFS.
Civic agencies have been assigned responsibilities for improving structural fire safety. The MCD, New Delhi Municipal Council and DDA will be required to incorporate the prescribed norms into building by-laws and the building plan approval process. They have also been asked to take strict action against unauthorised buildings and violations of fire safety requirements.
Alongside regulatory changes, the DFS will conduct awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, markets and residential welfare associations to educate people about combustible materials and everyday fire risks. Sood said the Government was working toward a more proactive fire safety system by coordinating the fire service, civic agencies, power distribution companies, and the DDA.