Firefighting gone kaput, LDA aptmts on a powder keg

Lucknow: Residents of apartments built by Lucknow Development Authority face fire safety risks as hydrant systems in several societies are defunct, incomplete or poorly maintained, despite repeated complaints by resident welfare associations.A TOI reality check in Gomti Nagar, Gomti Nagar Extension and Jankipuram Extension found firefighting infrastructure in disrepair across multiple complexes. Fire hose boxes were empty or rusty, hydrant cabinets damaged, hose reels missing, and pipelines corroded and dusty. In some buildings, fire alarm systems appeared neglected. In one society, residents shared a letter to LDA seeking inspection and formal handover, claiming the system was never tested after installation.At Parijat Apartment in Gomti Nagar Extension, former RWA secretary Harsh said only one of the two main fire pumps is functional and even that is not in use, while the second pump is jammed. “There are leakages at several bends and gaskets that need replacement. The jockey pump, which maintains pipeline pressure, is non-functional. A diesel generator has been installed for backup, but it cannot be used as its battery is missing,” he said.

Residents of Saraswati Apartment in Gomti Nagar Extension alleged that LDA obtained renewal of fire department’s safety certificate, the system was never tested or formally handed over. Resident welfare association secretary R Singh said that in a Jun 20 letter, the RWA asked LDA to inspect, verify and hand over the system so that the society could maintain it. Similar is the situation in Srishti and Sargam Apartments in Jankipuram Extension.Sargam Apartment RWA president Anurodh Rai alleged that even a year after hand over, LDA had neither conducted a fire safety audit nor secured a fire NOC. “Officials are active only for a few days after an incident. Even after one year, no fire audit has not been conducted and no NOC issued, though it is LDA’s responsibility,” he said.LDA vice-chairperson said: “All apartments that have not been handed over to RWAs are being inspected and fire safety work is being carried out. For the rest, it is the responsibility of RWAs.”