Govt notified Safety Measures to prevent Fire Mishaps in High-rise Buildings in Bangalore
The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) will henceforth not grant building plans/licences without a no-objection certificate from the Fire and Emergency Services. The notification directs the BBMP not to issue occupancy certificates to buildings if fire safety measures had not been provided under the building byelaws, zonal regulations, etc.
As directed by the High Court, the State government has notified safety measures to prevent fire mishaps in high-rise buildings based on the joint action plan of the Fire and Emergency Services Department and the BBMP. The notification issued by B Rajamma, Under Secretary, Home Department (Police Auxiliary Services), on Thursday pertains to safety measures in buildings over 15 metres high.
As far as under-construction or existing but occupied buildings are concerned, the BBMP or the local municipal body should not grant the occupancy certificate unless sufficient fire protection systems were installed. An officer of the rank of District Fire Officer and above should certify a building.
The certificate issued by the Fire and Emergency Services should be produced to the BBMP/local body for renewing permission every two years. An officer of the rank of District Fire Officer and above, along with representatives of tenants/occupants, should inspect whether fire safety measures, as per norms, have been installed. Tenants or residents’ associations should nominate a representative for periodical inspection. Else, any other tenant/occupant should be nominated for the purpose. Besides, the officer should carry out surprise checks every two years and ensure that there are no deviations/alterations. After inspection, the inspecting officer should prepare a detailed report on compliances and lapses.
Owners/associations should get their buildings inspected by agencies empanelled by the Department. An affidavit on the working condition of the system, along with the inspection report, should be submitted every two years. In case of non-compliance, a notice will be served to the occupier/ developer/ owner/builder to set things right in three months. Later, the officer will inspect the compliance. If lapses are not rectified, the fire officer should immediately inform Bescom/Gescom/ Hescom/ Chescom to cut off electricity connection and seal the building to prevent mishaps. At this juncture, if lapses are rectified, a fresh occupancy certificate will have to be obtained from the BBMP/local bodies.
Whenever safety measures are violated after grant of NOC, the Department should lodge an FIR. It should also inspect all the high-rises within nine months from July 7. Safety measures should be installed in government high-rises within a year.
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