LDA forms new rule for bldg plan nod over fire safety

Lucknow: In the wake of the deadly fire incident in Aliganj, the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) on Wednesday has made it mandatory for all the building owners to submit a notarised fire safety affidavit before obtaining approval for building plans.So far, a no objection certificate (NOC) from the fire safety department for map approval was necessary for big establishments. Buildings with height up to 15 mt and area up to 500 sqmt were not in the ambit.However, now new rules have made it mandatory for the owners of these buildings to file affidavits of fire safety compliance for getting maps approved. Only single-storey residential units up to four mt height have been granted exception from the rule.LDA vice-chairman (VC) Prathamesh Kumar on Wednesday said the move aims to strengthen fire safety compliance across the city, including in buildings where a fire department NOC has not been mandatory so far.Under the revised system, applicants must furnish a notarised affidavit certifying compliance with prescribed fire safety norms. The LDA will maintain a separate register for these affidavits and submit weekly reports to the authority’s secretary.

Teams led by zonal officers will also inspect fire safety arrangements, basement usage and parking facilities while obtaining compliance affidavits from owners of the existing buildings. The authority will take strict action against buildings constructed without approved plans, illegal use of basements and establishments violating fire safety norms.