The Haryana Human Rights Commission has raised a serious alarm over the state's fire safety preparedness. On Tuesday, the commission took official note of glaring deficiencies in fire safety arrangements across Haryana, expressing deep concern over a five-year delay in procuring critical life-saving equipment.
A Direct Threat to Public Safety
The commission stated that the prolonged failure to acquire essential gear, such as hydraulic platforms and turn table ladders, poses a direct threat to the lives and safety of citizens. This risk is particularly acute in high-rise buildings and densely populated urban areas, where effective firefighting and rescue operations are most challenging. The panel made these observations while passing an order in a suo motu case, highlighting the state's inaction.
Critical Role of Specialized Equipment
The commission emphasized the indispensable function of hydraulic platforms and turn table ladders. It noted that these are not just tools but critical safety and accessibility mechanisms. They are vital for firefighting, emergency evacuations, and ensuring structural functionality during crises in multi-storeyed buildings and public spaces. Their absence severely compromises the state's emergency response capabilities.
Key Recommendations for Systemic Change
To address this systemic gap, the commission has put forward a significant recommendation. It has suggested that hydraulic platforms and turn table ladders should be formally recognized as part of external development works under the Haryana Development and Regulation of Urban Areas Act, 1975. Furthermore, the panel advised that payment and contribution provisions of the Act should be extended to cover these installations.
This inclusion would achieve two major goals. First, it would ensure financial and regulatory recognition for this crucial safety infrastructure. Second, it would align with the legislative intent of the 1975 Act to provide comprehensive and safe urban infrastructure, thereby enhancing safety standards in multi-storey buildings and public structures across the state.
Next Steps and Deadline
The commission has set February 10 as the next date for hearing the matter. It has directed concerned departments and officials to submit their detailed reports on the issue via videoconferencing. This move underscores the urgency with which the commission views the need to rectify the fire safety lapses that have been left unaddressed for half a decade.
