By Chandan Singh | Page 3 News Worldwide | New Delhi 

Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood announces comprehensive revamp, including more firefighters, modern equipment, new fire stations and stricter enforcement of safety norms

NEW DELHI: The Delhi Government has announced a comprehensive overhaul of the Delhi Fire Service (DFS), with plans to strengthen emergency response capabilities, expand frontline manpower, modernise equipment and tighten fire safety regulations across the national capital.

Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood outlined the proposed reforms following a review meeting chaired by Lieutenant Governor at Lok Niwas. The action plan aims to address growing fire safety challenges arising from narrow lanes, high population density, traffic congestion, electrical overloading and the increasing use of combustible materials such as synthetic furnishings and plastics in residential buildings.

A key proposal is to make automatic sprinkler systems and fire alarms mandatory in existing buildings, bringing their fire safety requirements on a par with those applicable to new constructions. The DFS Rules will be reviewed to facilitate the changes, while formal advisories will be issued to property owners and occupants regarding compliance with fire safety provisions under the Building By-Laws.

More Firefighters, Faster Recruitment

The government plans to increase the sanctioned manpower of the Delhi Fire Service in accordance with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) report and the concurrence of the Administrative Reforms Department. Recruitment of Station Officers and Firemen will also be expedited in coordination with the Home Department, Services, UPSC and DSSSB. Regular physical fitness assessments will be conducted for fire service personnel.

Power Network to Be Upgraded

Addressing the problem of electrical overloading, Sood, who also holds the Power portfolio, said the Power Department would direct electricity distribution companies BRPL, BYPL and TPDDL to increase sanctioned electrical loads wherever required and upgrade network capacity to prevent overloading.

Modern Equipment and Communication Upgrade

The DFS will address shortages of specialised firefighting equipment and appliances required to tackle fires involving high combustible loads. Major procurement will be undertaken by leveraging its memorandum of understanding with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).

The emergency communication system will also undergo a complete revamp to improve operational coordination and response capabilities.

New Fire Stations and Land Allocation

To improve geographical coverage and emergency response, new fire stations will be established in accordance with the MHA recommendations. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) will allot the required land, while the Public Works Department (PWD) will undertake execution-related work.

Private Fire Safety Auditors to Be Empanelled

In another significant policy measure, the DFS Rules will be amended to allow qualified private third-party auditors to supplement the department’s existing inspection capacity. Qualified auditors and architects currently empanelled with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will be considered for empanelment and training by the DFS.

Public Awareness and Stricter Enforcement

The Fire Service will launch intensive awareness campaigns across schools, colleges, markets and Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), educating residents about fire prevention, combustible materials and everyday safety precautions.

Meanwhile, the MCD, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and DDA will be responsible for integrating structural fire safety requirements into building by-laws and the building plan approval process. Local bodies have also been tasked with taking strict action against unauthorised constructions and violations of fire safety regulations.

Emphasising the need for a coordinated approach, Sood said the government was pursuing a multi-departmental strategy involving the Fire Service, civic agencies, power distribution companies and the DDA to strengthen fire prevention and emergency response.

“The safety and protection of every Delhi resident is our highest priority,” the Home Minister said, adding that the government was working towards a modern, high-speed and fully equipped fire emergency response system for the national capital.