RWA federation seeks fire safety audit of hotels, PGs and highrises

Noida: In the wake of recent fire incidents in Noida and Delhi, the Federation of Noida Residents Welfare Associations (FONRWA) has written to the GB Nagar police commissioner, seeking urgent measures to strengthen fire safety standards across the city.The federation has demanded a comprehensive inspection of hotels, guest houses and paying guest accommodations, along with verification of Fire No Objection Certificates (NOCs) in highrise residential and commercial buildings. It has also sought action against illegal constructions, misuse of basements and violations of approved building plans.“Recent fire tragedies in Delhi and Noida should serve as a wake-up call for authorities, local bodies and citizens.

Non-compliance with fire safety norms, inadequate emergency exits and malfunctioning firefighting systems continue to pose serious risks,” said Yogendra Sharma, president of the federation.He said Noida’s rapid urbanisation and the rise in highrise living, hotels and other accommodation facilities have made stringent fire safety measures more critical than ever. While many establishments operate legally, complaints regarding unauthorised facilities lacking basic safety infrastructure continue to surface, he added.

The federation also called for mandatory installation and regular maintenance of fire alarms, smoke detectors and sprinkler systems, besides periodic testing of evacuation plans in multi-storey buildings.KK Jain, secretary general of the federation, urged authorities to introduce stricter enforcement mechanisms and penalties for establishments operating without mandatory approvals.He also sought regular fire safety training for operators and staff, periodic mock drills to assess preparedness and mandatory inspections of electrical systems and equipment.The federation said proactive enforcement and regular audits are essential to prevent fire-related disasters and ensure public safety in the city.