The Gurgaon district administration on Thursday made fire safety audits mandatory for all hospitals, schools, malls, offices, hotels, and other commercial buildings in the city. The fire department has been directed to check preparedness on the premises of these establishments.
Background of the Decision
The directive came after a devastating hotel fire in Delhi that claimed 21 lives, including eight residents of Gurgaon. Officials have been instructed to verify the availability and working condition of firefighting equipment, emergency exits, and evacuation plans, and to ensure compliance with prescribed fire safety norms.
Deputy Commissioner's Statement
“It is essential that all institutions fully comply with prescribed fire safety norms to avoid tragedies. Lapses in following fire safety rules and regulations will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” said Deputy Commissioner Uttam Singh, adding that public safety remains the administration’s highest priority.
Singh said the fire department will carry out phased audits of malls, commercial buildings, office complexes, hotels, restaurants, showrooms, and other commercial establishments. Wherever violations are found, action will be taken under the relevant rules and regulations, and operators will be directed to implement corrective measures immediately.
Appeal to Building Owners
The deputy commissioner urged owners and operators to maintain all fire safety arrangements on their premises and strictly follow prescribed standards to prevent loss of life and property during emergencies.
Legal Framework
Fire safety norms in the state are governed mainly by the Haryana Fire and Emergency Services Act and are incorporated into the Haryana Building Code (HBC), along with compliance requirements under the National Building Code (NBC).
A no-objection certificate (NOC) from the fire department is mandatory for residential buildings and apartments taller than 15 meters, as well as for commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings exceeding 500 square meters. It is also required for buildings such as hospitals, hotels, schools, and banquet halls.
Recent Incidents Highlight Lapses
The district court complex, which was damaged in a recent blaze, did not have a fire NOC. Several other government establishments in the city purportedly lack the mandatory clearance, including the HSVP office, mini secretariat, office of the police commissioner, the new courts complex, the RPF complex, the divisional commissioner’s office, district prisons, and the PWD guest house, where a temporary court has been set up after the fire.
Enforcement Challenges
Fire department officials said an NOC is issued only after an application is submitted. “In many cases, it was never sought,” the official said, adding that the department generally does not conduct inspections on its own to check compliance.
The administration’s move aims to prevent future tragedies by ensuring strict adherence to fire safety norms across all commercial and public buildings in Gurgaon.
