Fire safety compliance in Ahmedabad is under scrutiny after a recent report revealed that 309 high-rises do not have a valid Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC). The lack of compliance is alarming, especially following the tragic Rajkot Gaming Zone fire last year that resulted in 27 deaths.
According to the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), 259 of these buildings are residential, while 50 are commercial-cum-residential. Areas such as Bodakdev, Satellite, and Shahibaug are particularly affected. Notable buildings like Galaxy Towers, Indraprastha Towers, Rahul Tower, and Takshshila Towers are among those lacking proper fire safety certification.
Officials stress that a Fire NOC is not merely a formality but a vital safety measure. Some building managers claim that there are no lapses, while others blame technical errors from AMC. Citizens can verify their building’s compliance status on the official website, ahmedabadcity.gov.in.
The situation is more serious than it appears. The Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Service reported that as of recent checks, a total of 608 residential buildings lack a valid fire NOC. Deputy Municipal Commissioner Ramyakumar Bhatt revealed that an affidavit submitted to the Gujarat High Court in January 2023 indicated that 739 residential buildings were without valid fire NOCs.
Of these, 131 buildings are under the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation. While cases have been filed against commercial buildings, most have complied, leaving only two still undergoing the NOC process.
According to the Gujarat Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act of 2013, residential buildings must secure a Fire NOC after construction and before obtaining a building use permit. Furthermore, these certificates require annual renewal.
AMC has taken action against non-compliant buildings, having issued multiple notices over the past year and a half. The final notice was sent in June 2022, warning that failure to renew the Fire NOC could lead to disconnection of water and electricity services, as well as potential criminal action.
Currently, water connections have been halted in 23 residential buildings, with 11 located in eastern Ahmedabad and 12 in the western region. This is just the beginning, as AMC plans to take further action against the remaining non-compliant buildings.
Bhatt emphasized that the quickest remedy for these buildings is to renew their fire NOC to avoid further penalties. According to AMC data, only 3,483 buildings—including schools, hospitals, and malls—had valid NOCs in 2020, before a public interest litigation (PIL) was filed regarding fire safety in high-rise buildings.
By January 2023, the number of buildings with valid fire NOCs increased to 9,719. However, of the approximately 10,469 buildings under AMC jurisdiction, a significant number still remain without necessary safety certifications.
This situation highlights the urgent need for improved fire safety measures in Ahmedabad’s high-rise buildings. Both the authorities and building owners must recognize the importance of compliance to prevent future tragedies and ensure the safety of residents and the public. As citizens, it is crucial to stay informed about the safety status of our buildings and advocate for necessary changes to protect our communities.