GHAZIABAD: The district administration is set to demolish illegal structures and encroachments within housing societies, as they pose significant fire hazards that could impede rescue operations in emergencies. Resident welfare associations (RWAs) have been instructed to appoint two trained firefighters per residential society, with shifts lasting 12 hours each.
This decision was made during a review meeting led by district magistrate Ravindra Kumar Mandar, prompted by a series of major fire incidents in the area—at least 30 major blazes were reported in the past two months, including the notable fire on April 12 at Gaur Green Avenue in Indirapuram. The meeting’s focus was on assessing preparedness gaps and enhancing fire safety protocols in high-rise residential zones.
Chief Fire Officer Rahul Pal stated that it is the responsibility of the RWAs to hire trained firefighters, while the fire department will offer technical assistance and training.
“We recommend that societies employ one or two certified personnel around the clock through two 12-hour shifts. Candidates with firefighting diplomas or degrees are preferred. A three-day training program is being initiated at seven fire stations for interested individuals,” Pal announced.
Officials noted that the firefighters will be responsible for managing emergencies in their early stages and coordinating with security personnel until the fire services arrive. Societies are also encouraged to form dedicated emergency response teams that include firefighters and security guards.
Additionally, RWAs are tasked with the routine inspection and maintenance of fire-water pipelines and related infrastructure to guarantee sufficient water supply during emergencies.
Recent inspections by RWAs and residents’ associations uncovered numerous encroachments and unauthorized modifications within residential complexes. Common areas, such as open spaces and evacuation routes, have been repurposed for personal use, with some staircases and exits blocked by household items in various buildings.
The district magistrate has ordered the Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) to remove these encroachments and demolish illegal constructions to maintain clear emergency access.
Concerns were also raised regarding scrapyards near residential areas, especially in Indirapuram and Khoda. These operations elevate fire hazards due to the presence of combustible materials in densely populated neighborhoods.
The Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation has been directed to shut down scrap operations located in populated regions. Future permits will be issued only after approval from the civic body and relocation to designated zones away from residential neighborhoods.
The district administration is also mandated to eliminate illegal encroachments and unauthorized settlements in sensitive areas.
The review meeting revealed additional concerns with power infrastructure. Officials from the electricity department reported that numerous societies have requested higher power loads in recent years, particularly during summer months when consumption spikes. Some buildings were found lacking functional fire-safety switches in lifts.
The district magistrate has instructed the electricity department to compile a list of these societies and require explanations from RWAs and apartment owners’ associations regarding their increased power demands and adherence to fire safety regulations.
The measures aim to mitigate fire risks in high-rise residential areas and enhance preparedness as Ghaziabad continues to experience rapid vertical growth.
