The Delhi Fire Service (DFS) has submitted a proposal to the Delhi Government, advocating for the mandatory installation of sprinklers and smoke detectors in all new buildings. The proposal, titled "Har Ghar Surakshit, Bharat Viksit," aims to address the increasing fire incidents in the national capital.
Changing Building Dynamics Increase Fire Risk
According to DFS Chief Fire Officer Abhilash K Malik, modern buildings are more vulnerable to rapid fire spread due to reduced ventilation, extensive use of air-conditioners and synthetic materials, and lower floor-to-ceiling clearances. In the past, larger houses with ventilators and fewer flammable materials allowed residents 15-17 minutes to escape a fire. However, with rising population and more combustible housing materials, Delhi residents now have less than 5 minutes to escape.
Proposal Details
The DFS proposal recommends making fire alarm and safety systems mandatory with immediate effect for under-construction buildings. For older constructions, special initiatives should be introduced to encourage the installation of such systems. Malik stated that implementing these measures could reduce fire-related casualties by over 97% and drastically decrease blaze-related deaths in the national capital within three years.
Current Regulations
At present, smoke detectors and automatic sprinklers are mandatory only in commercial buildings, high-rise residential buildings (exceeding 15 meters in height), and basements larger than 200 square meters. These properties must hold and periodically renew a fire safety certificate (FSC). Independent houses and low-rise residential buildings (below 15 meters) are currently exempt from requiring a fire safety no-objection certificate (NOC) and mandatory detector installations.
Recent Fire Incidents Highlight Urgency
The proposal comes in the wake of three deadly blazes in Palam, Hauz Rani, and Govindpuri. DFS has urged citizens to remain vigilant in case of fire. DFS PRO Rajinder Atwal noted that with decreasing space and limited ventilation, areas are more prone to fire. He advised residents to use electronic equipment within authorized load capacity and to upgrade wiring when adding electrical appliances.
Safety Recommendations
In case of fire, Atwal advised residents to move to an open space and sound the alarm to alert neighbors and firefighters. Smoke detectors and fire sprinklers form a crucial two-step safety system: detectors provide early warning for safe evacuation, while sprinklers physically suppress flames, drastically reducing the risk of injuries, fatalities, and property damage.
