Noida: In order to prevent fires in Gautam Buddha Nagar’s more than 350 multi-story buildings, the security system needs to be strengthened. The issue is still pending in court because the Noida Federation of Apartment Owners Association (NOFAA) has warned that 92 high-rise societies lack a full firefighting infrastructure. A fire NOC has also not been issued to many hospitals. Rajiv Singh, the president of NOFAA, has made numerous recommendations to strengthen safety protocols.
Demand for training and audit NOFAA President Rajeev Singh said that security personnel and volunteers in every society should be given regular training to deal with fire. The fire department should be equipped with modern equipment like hydraulic lift and helicopters for rescue, so that people trapped in fire in high-rise buildings can be evacuated on time. He also stressed on the necessity of regular audit.
Responsibility of the builder and AOA The fire department should audit the society before handover and the handover process should be completed only after removing the deficiencies. The builder or AOA, whoever is responsible, should be directed to correct the deficiencies. Old societies lack arrangements like water sprinklers and fire exit pathways, for which a policy will have to be made.
Separate fund for fire safety NOFAA suggested that a separate fund should be set aside for fire safety. The fire department should make a roster and conduct regular training and audit. Many times training is delayed due to lack of manpower, which needs to be addressed. Focus on safety before town planning High-rise buildings are being built in Gautam Buddha Nagar for the last two decades and their height is increasing rapidly, but the safety system is not increasing at the same pace. NOFAA demanded that fire fighting system should be given priority before town planning. The authority should not issue Occupancy Certificate (OC) or Completion Certificate (CC) without fire fighting equipment.
Demand for action against those responsible NOFAA said that the authority, builder, AOA and fire department have to understand their responsibilities. If deficiencies are found in the audit, strict action should be taken against those responsible. A government paneled agency should be given the responsibility of ensuring fire fighting arrangements.