NEW DELHI: The Delhi government is considering new bylaws to require fire safety measures, including smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, for low-rise residential buildings, officials announced on Thursday.
This initiative follows recent fire incidents in Malviya Nagar, Vivek Vihar, and Palam that resulted in multiple fatalities.
The government is looking into mandates for fire safety in residential structures under 15 metres tall, as current regulations do not necessitate fire safety certificates for such buildings, as stated by officials.
Currently, fire safety measures like hydrants and smoke detectors are mainly required in high-rise buildings that need fire no objection certificates (NOCs).
The Delhi Fire Service is advocating for mandatory smoke detectors and extinguishers in all homes and proposed a phased strategy to retrofit existing structures with essential fire safety equipment.
In Palam and Vivek Vihar, nine individuals lost their lives in recent fires, and another tragic incident at a hotel in Malviya Nagar took 23 lives just a week ago.
