Delhi's Fire Safety Lags with Only 5% Buildings Certified, 71 Short of Needed Stations

Why in news

A report highlights Delhi's critical fire safety infrastructure deficit, where only 5% of buildings are certified, necessitating a shift toward third-party certification and infrastructure expansion.

Background

Delhi currently has 71 fire stations against a requirement of 120. Only 5% of buildings possess Occupancy Certificates, and the city faces challenges from 1,000 unauthorized colonies and narrow lanes hindering response times.

Facts for Prelims

• FactOnly 5% of buildings in Delhi currently have Occupancy Certificates.
• FactDelhi requires 120 fire stations but currently operates with 71.
• S&TProposed safety measures include mandatory sprinklers and smoke detectors in high-risk buildings.

For Mains

Q. Discuss the challenges in urban fire safety management in metropolitan cities and suggest measures to improve infrastructure and regulatory compliance.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

• regulatory loopholes in building by-laws
• infrastructure-demand gap
• urban planning and unauthorized colonies
• way forward: third-party certification

Keywords: urban governance · regulatory compliance · infrastructure deficit · public safety · urban planning

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