Delhi Fire Services lists compliance gaps at hotels, eateries and guest houses

Delhi Fire Services records list 78 hotels in Delhi with valid fire no-objection certificates (NOCs), while eateries and guest houses account for larger numbers of expired certificates and unresolved compliance cases.

Among 98 hotel applicants for fire NOCs, the department found shortcomings in 15 cases. Five applicants had yet to comply with the guidelines.

For eateries, 1,163 hold valid certificates and 514 have expired certificates. The department recorded shortcomings at 1,285 establishments, while 838 cases await a reply or re-application.

Among guest houses, 1,253 hold valid certificates and 436 have expired certificates. The department found shortcomings in 496 guest houses, suspended or cancelled 16 certificates, and recorded 251 cases pending a response or re-application. It also reported that 30 guest houses had closed.

Chief Fire Officer A K Malik said smoke detectors and automatic sprinkler systems can detect and contain fires early, giving occupants more time to leave. Delhi Fire Services has proposed including the measures in the amended Unified Building Bye-Laws, 2016, following in-principle approval from the Delhi government.

Hotels and guest houses above 12 metres must obtain a fire NOC before beginning operations. The certificate is valid for five years for residential-classified hotels and three years for non-residential establishments and eateries.