TG plans wider fire-safety checks

Proposed Act changes could bring more buildings under fire-safety scrutiny

Property Pulse

Telangana is considering changes to its fire-safety law that could widen the scope of buildings subject to fire-safety requirements. The proposals seek to strengthen compliance and inspections, including for certain buildings that currently fall below the height thresholds generally associated with Fire No Objection Certificates (NOCs).

The government published proposed amendments to the Telangana Fire Service Act, 1999, in April and invited suggestions from stakeholders. The changes have not yet been finalised or notified.

Smaller buildings may face greater scrutiny

Under the existing framework, Fire NOC requirements are linked to the height and use of a building. The Fire Services Department currently identifies buildings above 15 metres used for commercial or business purposes and residential buildings of 18 metres and above among those requiring NOCs.

Certain public-congregation buildings are also covered based on applicable height and area criteria. The proposed amendments seek to move towards a broader risk-based approach, potentially bringing additional buildings and occupancies within the fire-safety framework.

The move comes amid increased scrutiny of fire safety in smaller premises as well. In January, HYDRAA sealed two Hyderabad showrooms below the 18-metre threshold after inspections found serious fire-safety violations, including absence of valid Fire NOCs and inadequate safety systems.

Equipment and inspections in focus

The proposed changes could strengthen requirements relating to fire-prevention and life-safety measures, including firefighting equipment, alarms, emergency exits and periodic inspections. Third-party fire and life-safety audits are already part of Telangana’s regulatory framework, with the state having issued guidelines and empanelled third-party auditors.

The proposed amendments could expand the role of such compliance mechanisms. For building owners and developers, the practical impact would depend on the final categories notified and the safety measures prescribed for each type of occupancy.

Compliance costs could rise

If the proposed framework expands the number of buildings subject to additional safety requirements, owners could face higher expenditure on equipment, inspections, maintenance and compliance.

Builders and other stakeholders have therefore been seeking clarity on how different occupancies and risk categories would be treated. Recent consultations have included representations from educational institutions seeking simpler requirements for lower-risk schools rather than applying high-risk commercial standards uniformly.

Current requirements remain in place

The proposed amendments do not, by themselves, change the existing law. Until the changes are formally approved and notified, the current Fire Services Act and applicable rules continue to govern Fire NOC requirements. The state’s online fire-services system currently processes provisional and occupancy NOCs according to building height and other applicable criteria.

It also provides separate processing timelines for buildings below and above 15 metres. The final scope of the amendments, including the buildings that could come under additional scrutiny and the precise compliance requirements, will depend on the notified provisions.

SAFETY NET.

• Fire-safety rules may cover smaller buildings.
• Government invited suggestions in April.
• Current height thresholds remain applicable.
• Third-party audits already form part.
• Additional compliance costs could arise.
• Final amendments are yet pending.