Jail for flouting fire safety norms, Chandigarh civic body mulls stringent law

The Municipal Corporation (MC) is considering implementing The Haryana Fire and Emergency Services Act, 2022, which has more stringent provisions and safety norms, in the UT.

The agenda for the extension of the Act in the city, which also has provisions of jail term for violators of certain fire safety norms, will be tabled before the next meeting of the General House.

The UT had earlier extended the Delhi Fire Prevention and Fire Safety Act to the city, but even the national capital has enacted a new Act since. Following the development, the MC formed a committee to examine all three Acts of Haryana, Punjab and Delhi. After a long deliberation, the committee recommended extending the Haryana Fire Services Act with certain amendments to Chandigarh.

The Haryana Fire and Emergency Services Act emphasises on administrative and operational efficiency by setting up fire divisions, fire stations and other field formations.

The Chief Fire Officer (CFO) will be appointed under the Act and will ensure that the Fire and Emergency Management Plan is prepared in conformity with the Disaster Management Plan.

The official will also have power to close any street or passage in or near which a fire is being fought and rescue operation is in progress and can detain a person who willfully obstructs and hinders Fire and Emergency Services personnel in firefighting and rescue operations and hand over him to a police officer or at the nearest police station without delay

Any person who willfully obstructs or interferes with firefighting operations could face imprisonment up to three months or a fine up to Rs 10,000 or both. The fine in case some violations extends up to Rs 50,000.

Under the new plan, all high rise buildings and special buildings including hotels, educational, institutional, business, mercantile, industrial, storage units shall also apply for approval of the firefighting certificate confirming to the provisions of the Act.

The authorised officer after scrutiny may grant the approval for the certificate, which shall be valid for a period of up to five years.

The officer may reject the application if the owner or occupier fails to comply with the directions issued by the CFO or any officer authorised by him.

The certificate or its renewal may also be cancelled if the rules are not followed.

The owner or occupier of the building, whose fire safety certificate has been cancelled, shall not be entitled to occupy the building or premises on the ground of noncompliance of fire prevention and life safety measures.

Chandigarh