District Magistrate Medha Roopam has issued a stern rebuke to the Noida, Greater Noida, and Yamuna Expressway development authorities for their consistent failure to submit mandatory reports on fire preparedness and safety inspections of high-rise residential societies. This criticism came despite repeated directives issued over the past two months, highlighting a pattern of non-compliance that has raised serious concerns about public safety in the densely populated region.
Lapses Flagged During DDMA Meeting
The shortcomings were prominently flagged during a District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) meeting held on Friday. During this crucial gathering, Roopam expressed strong disapproval not only of the missing reports but also of the absence of senior officers from all three development authorities. In response to these lapses, the DM has formally written to the chief executive officers of the authorities, demanding written explanations for both the failure to comply with inspection directives and the non-attendance of senior officials at the meeting.
Repeated Directives Ignored
Officials revealed that the authorities had been explicitly directed in December and again in January to conduct immediate inspections of multi-storey residential buildings across the district. These inspections were intended to ensure strict adherence to fire safety norms and to initiate legal action wherever violations were identified. However, to date, no compliance reports have been submitted, leaving a significant gap in accountability and oversight.
"Despite clear instructions in previous review meetings, none of the development authorities have furnished reports on inspections of high-rise residential societies," Roopam stated emphatically. Her frustration was palpable as she addressed the ongoing neglect of these critical safety protocols.
Absenteeism of Senior Officials
The DM also voiced her displeasure regarding the absence of senior officials at the disaster management meeting. She emphasized that additional CEOs or at least officers on special duty (OSDs) were required to attend, yet the authorities were represented only by senior manager-level officials. "These review meetings cannot be taken lightly. Sending a senior manager-level officer for every meeting is unacceptable," Roopam asserted. She has now formally instructed the CEOs to ensure the mandatory presence of senior officers at all future district-level review meetings, underscoring the importance of high-level engagement in disaster preparedness efforts.
Broader Safety and Compliance Directives
The issue of absenteeism and non-compliance was revisited later in the day during a Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) review meeting, also chaired by DM Roopam. At this session, she directed that compliance reports on decisions from previous NCORD meetings be submitted in writing immediately, warning that negligence at any level would result in strict disciplinary action.
Enhanced Disaster Preparedness Measures
Roopam highlighted that Gautam Buddh Nagar's dense population, numerous high-rise buildings, and significant industrial presence necessitate heightened disaster preparedness. To address these risks, she issued several key directives:
- Departments must conduct detailed fire safety audits of hazardous and large industrial units.
- The fire department is to remain on 24-hour alert to respond promptly to emergencies.
- Safety checks are to be carried out in factories, hospitals, schools, malls, hotels, and residential complexes.
- Village-level awareness programs should be implemented to prevent fire incidents.
Road Safety and Heat Wave Planning
On the front of road safety, officials were instructed to immediately address accident-prone stretches by:
- Repairing potholes and restoring road markings.
- Reinstating zebra crossings and speed breakers.
- Improving dividers, lighting, and radium reflectors.
Additionally, the DM directed departments to prepare a comprehensive City Heat Wave Action Plan by March 20, 2026, for submission to the State Disaster Management Authority. Detailed action-taken reports, supported by photographs, are to be submitted within two days to ensure timely follow-up and accountability.
NCORD Meeting Focus on Narcotics and Substance Abuse
At the NCORD meeting, Roopam instructed all departments to enhance coordination to intensify action against the illegal sale, storage, and trafficking of narcotics, as well as drunk driving and substance abuse. Officials were asked to submit detailed reports on enforcement and awareness activities carried out in January, reinforcing the need for a multi-faceted approach to public safety and law enforcement.
The series of directives and reprimands from District Magistrate Medha Roopam underscore a pressing need for improved compliance, accountability, and proactive safety measures in Noida and its surrounding areas. As the authorities are called to task, the focus remains on safeguarding the community through rigorous inspections, timely reporting, and unwavering commitment to disaster preparedness.
