TAG: GS 3: DISASTER MANAGEMENT
THE CONTEXT: Recent tragic incidents in India have brought fire safety regulations into sharp focus. On May 25, 2024, deadly fires at a gaming centre in Rajkot, Gujarat, and a newborn baby care hospital in New Delhi resulted in significant loss of life.
EXPLANATION:
Tragic Incidents in Rajkot:
- On May 25, a devastating fire at the TRP Game Zone in Rajkot, Gujarat, claimed the lives of at least 32 people.
- The blaze broke out in the evening, spreading rapidly within the metal frame and sheet structure, trapping victims inside, including several children.
- In response, the State government and Rajkot police initiated two separate inquiries—a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and a police investigation.
- The Gujarat High Court took suo motu cognizance of the incident, criticizing the State administration’s functioning.
- High-ranking officials, including the Police Commissioner, Additional Commissioner, and Municipal Commissioner, were transferred, and several municipal officials were suspended.
- Additionally, four individuals, including the game zone operator were arrested.
New Born Baby Care Hospital Fire in New Delhi
- On the same day, a fire at the New Born Baby Care Hospital in Vivek Vihar, Delhi, resulted in the deaths of seven babies.
- The fire’s impact was exacerbated by the storage of a large number of oxygen cylinders at the facility.
- Following this tragedy, the hospital owner and the doctor on duty were arrested.
- These incidents highlighted significant lapses in fire safety certifications and the issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs).
Fire Safety Regulations in India
- India’s approach to fire safety is primarily governed by the Model Building Bye-Laws, 2016, specifically Chapter 11, which details “Fire Protection and Fire Safety Requirements.”
- These guidelines provide a framework for State governments, which are responsible for enforcing fire safety under the law.
- Ensuring adherence to fire safety norms and standards laid down in Part 4 of the National Building Code (NBC) and incorporating mandatory provisions in the process is left to the States.
- During the pandemic, amidst a spate of fires, the Health Ministry circulated guidelines on September 28, 2020, stipulating third party accreditation for fire safety and putting a fire response plan in place.
- Chapter 11 of the Bye-Laws clearly lays down fire safety and infrastructure requirements for buildings which are 49 feet in height or more, and those with low occupancies in various categories, for issue of NOC.
- Gujarat’s Comprehensive Development Control Regulations 2017 also make it mandatory to get the Chief Fire Officer’s opinion even for a temporary structure.
- The same regulations stipulate that all structures for whatever use must meet fire prevention and safety provisions specified by the Fire Authority, in terms of the Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2013.
Assembly Buildings
- Structures like the Rajkot game zone fall under the category of assembly buildings according to the bye-laws.
- These are venues without permanent seating arrangements where 300 or more persons gather for various purposes, including amusement and recreation.
- The definition of assembly buildings is broad, encompassing theatres, halls, museums, gyms, restaurants, places of worship, and more.
Institutional Buildings
- Hospitals and similar facilities are categorized as institutional buildings.
- The regulations mandate specific fire safety measures for these buildings, which include hospitals, custodial institutions, and penal or mental health institutions.
Judicial Response to Fire Safety Negligence
- Uphaar Cinema Tragedy
- One of the most notable cases of fire safety negligence is the 1997 Uphaar cinema fire in Delhi, which resulted in the deaths of 59 people.
- The tragedy was attributed to structural deviations and the illegal installation of seats that blocked exits.
- The owners were convicted of negligence and evidence tampering.
- The case highlighted the severe consequences of non-compliance with fire safety regulations and set a precedent for holding property owners and public agency employees accountable.
- In the wake of the Rajkot fire, the Gujarat High Court’s suo motu notice has intensified scrutiny of fire and building law enforcement.
- The court is examining the implementation of the Comprehensive Development Control Regulations, fire NOCs, and periodic safety checks.
- The court’s actions follow numerous fire incidents in Gujarat, including a 2019 fire at a tuition centre in Surat that killed over 20 students.
- The court’s focus is on ensuring full compliance with fire safety regulations and holding authorities accountable for lapses.
Ensuring Effective Enforcement of Fire Safety Laws
- Government and Judicial Measures
- The Gujarat High Court has directed the government to report on actions taken to enforce the Comprehensive Development Control Regulations and other fire safety laws.
- The State government previously reported significant non-compliance with fire NOCs in hospitals and schools.
- Addressing practical difficulties, such as a lack of trained personnel and infrastructure, is crucial for achieving full compliance.
- Statistics and the Need for Rigorous Enforcement
- National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data for 2022 reported 241 fires in commercial buildings and 42 in government buildings, resulting in 257 deaths.
- This data underscores the urgent need for rigorous enforcement of the National Building Code and Model Building Bye-Laws.
- Full accountability from State and enforcement agencies is essential to prevent future tragedies.
- Regulation of Temporary and Non-Standard Structures
- Temporary and makeshift structures, often used for leisure activities, pose significant fire risks.
- These structures must be tightly regulated and meet fire safety standards to protect the public.
