Delhi Govt Amends Fire Safety Rules with 18-Point Checklist for NOCs

The Delhi government has amended the Delhi Fire Service Rules, 2010 to tighten fire-safety inspections across New Delhi, introducing a revised inspection framework following multiple fire tragedies in the city that claimed dozens of lives.

A notification issued by the fire department on Aug 28 revised the standards and compliance checklist for issuing fire safety certificates (FSCs), commonly referred to as no-objection certificates (NOCs).

Under the amended framework, the government has segregated structural and non-structural parameters for granting fire safety clearances. The move is designed to eliminate duplication of responsibilities between the Delhi Fire Service and building plan sanctioning authorities.

Under the revised system, fire auditors will focus their assessments on non-structural firefighting systems under a detailed 18-point checklist. Key inspection parameters include ensuring adequate access and exits for firefighting personnel and machinery, along with functional sprinklers, hydrants, firefighting pumps, emergency backup power, and designated refuge areas.

The regulatory changes aim to address gaps in firefighting preparedness across the capital, ensuring that buildings maintain critical safety systems to protect occupants and facilitate rapid evacuation and emergency response.