A recent data analysis by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation found that 1,459 out of 7,054 high-rise buildings over 15 meters in the city lacked mandatory fire safety no-objection certificates. Only 903 buildings had implemented necessary firefighting measures. The earlier Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR) effective from December 2020 had raised the height limit requiring a fire NOC from 15 to 24 meters. However, recent amendments to the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act now mandate fire arrangements for all buildings above 15 meters. The Acting Chief Fire Officer has expressed concern over the safety risks and urged builders and occupants to comply with regulations by obtaining provisional clearance and installing required fire arrangements.
A large number of high-rise buildings in Nagpur lack mandatory fire safety clearances, raising serious safety concerns. Data from the Nagpur Municipal Corporation shows that out of 7,054 buildings over 15 meters tall within city limits, 1,459 (around 20.68%) were constructed without obtaining no-objection certificates (NOCs) from the fire department.
BP Chandankhede, Acting Chief Fire Officer, said that only 903 buildings out of the total 7,054 high-rises have implemented the required firefighting measures following inspections across nine fire stations in the city.
The fire department has now requested details of buildings approved between 2020 to 2023 from the Nagpur Improvement Trust and town planning department. This comes after the state government reinstated fire safety regulations for structures over 15 meters in May 2023.
The earlier Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR) effective from December 2020 had raised the height limit requiring a fire NOC from 15 to 24 meters. However, recent amendments to the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act now mandate fire arrangements for all buildings above 15 meters.
Chandankhede said buildings between 15-24 meters may get fire clearance if they comply with specified prevention and protection measures. While the previous norms relaxed rules for structures up to 24 meters, the updated act has tightened regulations.
Since the DCPR implementation, around 100 under-construction buildings have received fire NOCs. The department has urged developers and builders to ensure fire fighting facilities in all structures. It plans to inspect new buildings sanctioned between December 2020 to May 2023, whether under construction or completed.
Chandankhede emphasized that no exemptions will be given regarding fire fighting measures for buildings over 15 meters. This aims to enhance fire safety and prevent disasters in the city. Builders and occupants must apply to the department along with sanctioned plans to obtain provisional certificates outlining required fire arrangements.
Strict compliance with regulations is needed to minimize the risk of fires breaking out in the large number of uncertified high-rises and help enhance overall fire preparedness in the city. The efforts of the fire department aim to avoid any major fire tragedies in the future.
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