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The Chandigarh administration has mandated the installation of a firefighting system in the Dhanas Rehabilitation Colony, home to over 45,000 residents. Despite being constructed 13 years ago, the colony lacks the necessary fire safety infrastructure, violating the National Building Code (NBC)-2016. The Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) has been instructed to initiate the installation promptly and report progress within a month. This decision follows concerns raised by residents and the administration's environment department regarding the colony's fire safety measures.
The Chandigarh administration has directed the Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) to urgently install a firefighting system in the Dhanas Rehabilitation Colony. This directive comes after years of neglect and concerns raised by residents and officials about the colony's inadequate fire safety measures. The colony, which houses over 45,000 residents across 8,448 flats, was constructed under the slum rehabilitation scheme of the Government of India and allotted to beneficiaries in 2013. Despite being completed 13 years ago, the colony has not been equipped with a firefighting system, violating the National Building Code (NBC)-2016, which mandates such provisions for multi-storey buildings. Advertisement
Social activist Akhil Bansal criticized the administration for neglecting the safety of residents and questioned how the completion and occupancy certificates were issued without the mandatory fire safety provisions. Initially, the administration rejected the allocation of funds for the firefighting system, citing concerns about theft and maintenance issues. However, after repeated requests and correspondence, the authorities acknowledged the necessity of such a system and agreed to its installation.
The Chief Fire Officer of Chandigarh had issued a notice in October 2020, instructing the Superintendent Housing to apply for fire clearance for the 8,448 flats within 30 days. Failure to comply would have resulted in appropriate action under the relevant laws. However, no substantial action was taken until now.
The firefighting system to be installed in Dhanas will include fire extinguishers, hose reels, a two-way fire brigade connection, a terrace water tank with a capacity of not less than 5,000 liters, and a pump and sprinkler system if a basement is present. These measures are in line with the requirements specified in the NBC-2016 for buildings of this type.
The CHB has been instructed to initiate the installation promptly and report progress within a month. This move reflects the administration's commitment to enhancing fire safety in urban rehabilitation areas and ensuring the well-being of residents.
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