Additional Director, Delhi Fire Services Atul Garg speaks to Sakshi Chand about fire norms and why the Narela and Barela industrial services fall foul of them.
Additional Director, Delhi Fire Services Atul Garg speaks to Sakshi Chand about fire norms and why the Narela and Barela industrial services fall foul of them.
What are the basic norms to be kept in mind to obtain a fire NOC?
There are various norms which need to be followed. Among them, the major one is having two staircases. If you recall during the old times everyone used to have two exits to their houses; one ahead and one at the back. The staircase should be at least 1.5 meters in length so that people can easily pass through. In case a factory constructs a basement then they should have a sprinkler system in place. A water zeal should also be in place in case a fire needs to be doused during the time the fire extinguisher arrives.
Apart from this, fire extinguishers, hydrant pump and water tank should also be present. Only if all these norms are followed, will we issue a fire NOC.
Why do most of the factories in Bawana and Narela Industrial Areas not have a fire NOC?
The problem is that most of the buildings are different from the structural plan. While some have got their plans sanctioned but have ended up building extra floors and basement and eventually have covered up most of their open areas.
The authorities need to make sure that the owners don’t build beyond what is allotted to them. Also many of them do not even apply as they know they would be not be granted.
Have you conveyed to the authorities about how factories fail to obtain NOCs and hence a tragedy like Bawana could occur anywhere?
See our role is to inspect and check if any factory is complying the norms, otherwise we are not in the picture. The authorities should make sure that construction is carried out only as per the plan and no additional changes are made.
Currently, we do not have a system in which we receive any information if a factory owner applies for licence or for their building plans. If that happens then we will be aware from the prime stage when a building applies for the approval of their plan.
What is the process for obtaining the NOC?
The process is simple, the MCD sends us an online application to inspect if building is as per the fire safety norms as well. We then tell them if changes are needed or if they can go ahead with it. In the last two to three months we have received around 100 applications.
What is the issue in Bawana and Narela?
The land is given by the DSIIDC (Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation) to a single person. He then receives a licence from the MCD to operate a particular kind of factory. But officials say many factories are shut down by their owners, who then rent out the space to another person.
What happens then?
This person doesn’t procure a fresh licence, but operates the factory — which could be producing something entirely different than what was initially proposed licence. Because they are illegal, many of these factories are boarded up making it a disaster should a fire occur.
What can be done?
Illegal constructions must be knocked down, thorough inspections to ensure buildings follow fire safety norms, clear signs, among many other measures. Fire department officials insist workers be told what to do in the event of a fire with basic fire safety norms explained to them.
Will Bawana fire change things?
The government has ordered an inquiry and owner Manoj Jain has been arrested. Co-accused Lalit Goyal too has been arrested and compensation ordered for the victims. However, the issue has been politicised with the focus shifting to NDMC Mayor Preeti Aggarwal’s controversial remarks caught on video on the issue. Aggarwal has claimed that the video is fake.
FAST FACTS
Bawana and Narela industrial areas developed in 2006-07 by DSIIDC
15,500 plots in Bawana of 100 square meters each
3,500 plots in Narela of 250-300 square meters each
50% to 60% reportedly work without licenses
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