NEW DELHI: The umbrella organization representing resident welfare associations in Delhi called on the Delhi government on Monday to organize a roundtable meeting with civic bodies, power distribution companies, police, and RWAs to devise a standard operating procedure (SOP) for fire safety in residential buildings.
Atul Goyal, president of the United Residents Joint Action (URJA), highlighted the tragic fire incident in East Delhi’s Vivek Vihar that claimed nine lives on May 3, stating it revealed that “neither government agencies nor individual residents have learned from previous disasters.”
Goyal pointed out several issues, such as the lack of a fire safety SOP within the Delhi Disaster Management Plan, inadequate enforcement of building regulations, and poor adherence to fire safety standards. He also noted the problems of restricted rooftop access in builder floors and insufficient safety protocols from the police.
Additionally, he raised concerns about electrical overloads during peak summer, warning that continuous use of air conditioners could turn into “fire bombs” without regular load audits and certification of electrical appliances.
In its statement, URJA requested an inclusive roundtable consisting of officials from the Delhi Fire Service, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Delhi Development Authority, Delhi Disaster Management Authority, power companies, Delhi Police, and representatives from RWAs to create a fire safety SOP for residential buildings within 30 days.
They also demanded accountability from officials, builders, and RWAs who neglect their legal responsibilities regarding fire safety.
URJA has also advocated for technical inspections of electrical devices and emphasized the role of the Bureau of Indian Standards and the Bureau of Energy Efficiency in ensuring that only suitable appliances for Delhi’s summer demands are available for sale.
Moreover, they urged amendments to building regulations mandating rooftop access, safe refuge areas, and fire clearances for builder floors exceeding 15 meters in height.
In a letter addressed to the chief secretary, URJA expressed that their initial investigation into the east Delhi fire indicated various deficiencies, including the lack of building-specific fire SOPs for RWAs and first responders, breaches of regulations related to rooftop access and refuge areas, insufficient fire drills, and the risk posed by continuously operating air conditioners in peak summer.
They also called upon the government to equip RWAs with necessary training, equipment, and mandatory SOPs, asserting their readiness to act as “first responders” during emergencies.
“Fire safety is a responsibility outlined in the 12th Schedule of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act. While RWAs stand as the initial response team, the government must provide us with an SOP. Delhi cannot afford another Uphaar,” Goyal concluded.
The Uphaar Cinema fire incident in Delhi’s Green Park on June 13, 1997, resulted in 59 fatalities and over 100 injuries.
