The bustling Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh (BBN) industrial belt in Himachal Pradesh, a cornerstone of the state's economy, is sitting on a potential powder keg. Rampant and unchecked construction has systematically devoured the mandatory open spaces within factory premises, dramatically escalating the risk of catastrophic fires and crippling emergency response efforts.
The Vanishing Safety Buffer
Originally planned with foresight, industrial plots in the area were mandated to have substantial open spaces—ranging from 25% to 33% of the total plot area—as a critical fire safety measure. These spaces were designed to act as buffers between buildings, provide clear access for fire tenders, and serve as assembly points for workers during an emergency. However, a drive through the belt now reveals a starkly different picture. Factory owners, in a bid to maximize floor area for production and storage, have constructed sheds and structures over these very spaces.
This violation is not just a minor infringement but a fundamental compromise on safety. Fire officials confirm that in the event of a major blaze, the absence of these open areas would severely hinder firefighting operations. Fire tenders would struggle to navigate between tightly packed buildings, and the rapid spread of flames from one structure to another would become almost inevitable.
A Crisis in Plain Sight
The problem is widespread and visible. The Chief Fire Officer of the Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh Development Authority (BBNDA), Ramesh Chand, has raised the alarm multiple times. He points out that the original building plans approved for these factories clearly demarcated the open spaces. The current illegal constructions over these zones are a direct violation of the sanctioned plans. Despite the clear danger, enforcement has been weak. The BBNDA, which is the planning and regulating body, has largely failed to check this dangerous trend, allowing the industrial area to become densely packed and highly vulnerable.
The consequences of inaction are dire. The region houses thousands of units, including many dealing in chemicals, pharmaceuticals, plastics, and other flammable materials. A single fire in such a congested environment could lead to massive property damage, severe environmental pollution from chemical runoff, and most importantly, unprecedented loss of human life. The lack of open space also means workers have nowhere safe to evacuate to during a crisis.
Call for Stringent Action and Future Planning
Fire safety experts and town planners insist that a multi-pronged, zero-tolerance approach is the only solution. Firstly, the BBNDA must initiate a rigorous audit of all industrial units to identify violations. Strict penalties, including heavy fines and orders for immediate demolition of illegal structures, must be enforced without exception. Secondly, for all new approvals, a strict compliance mechanism must be put in place to ensure open space norms are never violated again.
The issue also highlights a larger problem of unplanned urban and industrial growth. As one of Himachal's major economic engines, the BBN belt's safety cannot be an afterthought. Sustainable industrial development must integrate safety into its core planning. The state government and the BBNDA need to treat this not as a mere regulatory lapse but as a grave public safety emergency requiring immediate and decisive intervention. The time for warnings is over; the time for action is now, before a preventable tragedy strikes one of North India's most important industrial clusters.
