Delhi government buildings lack fire safety certifications

The Delhi Fire Services (DFS) has not renewed fire safety certificates for several important government buildings. This includes the Old Parliament Complex, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), parts of Bharat Mandapam, and the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL). The delay follows fire safety audits that revealed serious issues. DFS officials have shared audit reports on their website. These reports detail the fire safety shortcomings found in the buildings. Letters were also sent to the building authorities, advising them to fix these issues before they can apply for renewed fire safety certificates. In one audit, three major problems were found at Bharat Mandapam. These included non-operational smoke curtains, broken fire check doors, and ineffective water curtains in the basement. The DFS warned that using the premises without proper fire safety measures poses risks to people and property. Other buildings, such as the Parliament Library, also failed to meet safety standards. Problems identified included blocked staircases and non-working smoke systems. The RBI building was found lacking smoke detectors and a proper smoke management system. At the FSL building, 22 issues were noted, including malfunctioning pumps and unconnected fire protection systems. Fire safety officials stressed that fixing these issues is crucial for the safety of occupants. Fire safety certificates need to be renewed every five years for residential buildings and every three years for non-residential ones, including hotels. Building authorities must apply for renewal at least six months before their certificates expire.