Congestion, resources, rules: Why residential areas are more vulnerable to fire, Pg16

Key Highlights:

• Residential areas account for 60% of fire-related fatalities in India, according to a Beyond Carlton analysis of 2024 NCRB data.
• A recent deadly blaze in a South Delhi hotel, originally a residential structure, highlighted widespread fire safety gaps and non-compliance with building norms.
• Out of 5,888 fire-related deaths nationally in 2024, approximately 3,535 occurred in homes and residential buildings.
• Lack of compliance with building by-laws, absence of safety systems like smoke alarms, and resource constraints are major contributors to fire vulnerability.
• Fire services are a state subject under the XII Schedule of the Constitution, leading to varied implementation of safety regulations.
• The Fifteenth Finance Commission recommended Rs 5,000 crore for strengthening state-level fire services.

Detailed Insights:

• The Malviya Nagar fire involved a B&B that expanded from six to 26 rooms across six levels without a fire NOC.
• Unlike commercial buildings, most Indian residential spaces lack smoke alarms, suppression systems, and evacuation planning.
• The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) published the National Building Code of India (NBC) 2016, detailing guidelines for construction and fire safety.
• Implementation of NBC regulations remains a significant challenge, as seen in the Delhi fire, which was triggered by a short circuit.
• Gas leaks are another common trigger for residential fires, alongside electrical faults.
• The United Nation Global Assessment Report 2018 identified fire as a major global hazard due to its deadly side effects like asphyxiation and toxic gas release.
• High density urban settlements with narrow circulation spaces and increased use of electrical equipment exacerbate fire risks.
• A 2022 Ministry of Home Affairs report noted a considerable gap in the operational capabilities of fire and emergency services in Indian cities.
• The growth of high-rise buildings necessitates specialized firefighting equipment, which is often slow to be procured.

Key Concepts Involved:

• National Building Code (NBC): Comprehensive guidelines by BIS for construction, maintenance, and fire safety of buildings in India.
• State Subject: A legislative domain where state governments have primary authority to make laws and implement policies, like fire services.
• No-Objection Certificate (NOC): A mandatory legal document issued by authorities, confirming that a proposed development or activity meets specific regulations.
• Asphyxiation: A condition arising from severe oxygen deprivation, often a primary cause of death in fire incidents due to smoke inhalation.