GHAZIABAD: In response to the Ghaziabad administration’s directive to Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and Apartment Owners Associations (AOAs) to enhance fire safety protocols, resident bodies have raised significant concerns regarding compliance. Major obstacles include high costs for maintaining firefighting systems, aging electrical infrastructure, the need for regular audits and drills, and ensuring that emergency exits are clear of obstructions.
During a review meeting earlier this month, officials instructed RWAs to hire two trained firefighters for each residential society to work 12-hour shifts. They also mandated regular inspections and maintenance of fire water pipelines to ensure an adequate emergency supply and to keep evacuation routes clear. This order was prompted by a series of fire incidents, including a significant blaze at Gaur Green Avenue in Indirapuram on April 29 that affected eight flats across five floors.
With accountability now established for lapses leading to fire incidents, RWAs have reported increased pressure to improve safety measures. However, residents are often reluctant to shoulder the financial burden. “While fire safety is crucial, persuading residents to contribute is an ongoing challenge,” stated Amit Silawat, secretary of Uninav Heights in Raj Nagar Extension. The society recently allocated nearly Rs 6 lakh for repairs of firefighting equipment from its maintenance budget, which led to disputes among residents over the necessity of this expenditure. Silawat emphasized that those living on the ground and first floors frequently questioned the relevance of their contributions, arguing their lower risk of fire.
The compliance issue is further complicated by governance challenges. Fire NOCs are only valid for three years, while RWA representatives are elected annually. “By the time we fully address the issues, we are approaching the next election,” Silawat lamented.
According to AOA representatives, the root of the problem lies in the handover phase. Rahul Baliyan, president of KDP Grand Savanna in Raj Nagar Extension, mentioned that developers often secure occupancy certificates before completing fire safety protocols. “In multi-tower societies, builders may obtain certificates for only parts of the project. Once flats are handed over, all responsibility rests with the AOA,” he explained.
Baliyan estimated that upgrading firefighting systems for Savanna, which consists of 15 towers, could cost between Rs 70 lakh and Rs 1 crore. “Older buildings incur higher maintenance costs, and securing that funding is challenging due to limited resident participation,” he noted.
Saurabh Sharma from Devika Skypers highlighted a systemic enforcement gap. “Our society lacks a functional fire alarm system because the builder removed it instead of repairing it. Now, residents are expected to cover the restoration costs. Although fire department officials conduct inspections and issue notices, there is no mechanism ensuring that flaws are addressed,” he said.
Sharma also pointed out the accountability issue. “When a fire incident occurs, the RWA bears the brunt of the blame. There needs to be a system in place to ensure corrective measures are implemented.”
RWAs raised concerns regarding the feasibility of maintaining 24/7 fire safety readiness. “Societies already struggle with security and maintenance. Recruiting trained fire safety personnel for continuous deployment is both difficult and costly,” Sharma stated. “Mock drills alone cannot ensure safety, and the validity of fire NOCs is limited.”
Obstacles with emergency staircases also persist. “Since lifts are non-operational during fires, these routes are vital for evacuation, yet residents often occupy staircase areas, complicating the evacuation process,” Sharma added.
Bhagwan Singh, AOA president of SCC Sapphire, commented that resident cooperation remains crucial. “Compliance becomes nearly impossible when support is absent at the ground level,” he observed.
RWA representatives have proposed solutions to improve compliance. Baliyan recommended extending RWA tenures to two years to ensure continuity in governance and safety initiatives. He also suggested appointing a district administration representative on AOA committees to bolster decision-making and enforcement.
