MC Proposes New Act to Bring More Buildings Under Fire Safety Regulations

Clearances to be mandatory for buildings which are 9m high or above

- Mandeep Kaur Narula

CHANDIGARH: In a move to bring more buildings under fire safety regulations, the Chandigarh municipal corporation (MC) is proposing the adoption of a new Fire Safety Act, making fire safety clearance mandatory for buildings with a height of 9 metres or above.

The proposal will be tabled for discussion during the general house meeting scheduled for April 30 (Wednesday).

Currently, the Delhi Fire Prevention and Fire Safety Act, 1986, is applicable in Chandigarh. This Act mandates fire safety certificates (FSC) only for buildings taller than 15 metres (high-rises). However, MC officials pointed out that even the Delhi government has repealed this legislation and replaced it with the Delhi Fire Service Act, 2007.

To adopt Haryana Fire & Emergency Service Act, 2022 Given Chandigarh's unique character, with its many heritage buildings, the stringent provisions under the current Act have often resulted in non-compliance with fire safety norms. Recognising the need for a more tailored law, the civic body's committee conducted a detailed review of fire safety legislation in neighbouring states, including Punjab and Haryana. After extensive deliberations and suggestions from committee members, the MC is now proposing to adopt the Haryana Fire and Emergency Service Act, 2022, (Extension to Chandigarh) Act, 2025.