Uttar Pradesh Mandates Fire Safety Officers for High-Rises Starting January 2025"

The Uttar Pradesh government has directed owners of all high-rise residential, non-residential, and commercial buildings to deploy fire safety officers by January 2025. This measure, aimed at ensuring round-the-clock compliance with fire safety norms, is part of the newly introduced Uttar Pradesh Fire and Emergency Service Rules, 2024.

Key Provisions of the Directive
The new rules require building owners to appoint trained fire safety officers and additional staff to monitor fire safety measures. The cost of employing these personnel will be borne by the owners.
Rahul Pal, Chief Fire Officer of Ghaziabad, emphasized, “The qualifications and experience of the selected fire safety officers will be screened by the fire department before they receive final approval for employment.”

Buildings Covered Under the Rules
The regulations apply to 16 different categories of buildings, including:
●    Residential buildings over 45 meters in height.
●    Educational institutions taller than 15 meters or with more than 2,500 students.
●    Commercial establishments with a height exceeding 24 meters or a covered area of over 10,000 square meters.
●    Cinemas and halls with a seating capacity exceeding 500 people or multiple screens.
In Ghaziabad alone, there are more than 1,000 high-rise buildings, including 370 residential societies. Alarmingly, 99 of these have been found non-compliant with fire safety norms, according to officials.

Enforcement and Penalties
Starting January 1, 2025, intensified checks will be conducted to ensure compliance. Non-compliant buildings will face penalties, with cases referred to the authorities for further action. “If owners fail to comply despite reminders, their cases will be forwarded to the respective authorities, and penalties will be imposed,” said Pradeep Kumar Chaubey, Chief Fire Officer for Noida.

Challenges and Resident Concerns

While the directive aims to enhance safety, residents expressed concerns about the financial burden and logistical challenges. VK Mittal, President of Kaushambi Apartments’ RWA, noted, “Fire safety is a specialized field, and hiring qualified officers will entail high costs, which many RWAs cannot bear.”

A Step Toward Safer High-Rises
With this landmark initiative, Uttar Pradesh aims to strengthen fire safety compliance and prevent tragedies. The government’s proactive approach underscores the critical need for robust fire safety mechanisms in high-density urban areas.

"ESIC Hospital to Begin Open-Heart Surgeries by March"
In a significant development for heart patients, the ESIC Medical College and Hospital in Faridabad is set to launch open-heart surgery facilities by March. This initiative aims to provide affordable and advanced cardiac care to patients, reducing their reliance on expensive private hospitals.

Advanced Facilities Underway
Dr. Sandeep Kumar, Medical Superintendent of ESIC, confirmed that the hospital is ready for heart surgeries, with the operation theater fully equipped. The necessary machinery for bypass surgeries has already been approved by the headquarters, and the procurement process is expected to be completed within two to three months.

“This will mark a new era in cardiac care for patients, particularly those from economically weaker sections,” said Dr. Kumar.
Widespread Impact

The hospital caters to patients from Faridabad, Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, and other nearby regions, including Sonipat, Panipat, Palwal, and Rewari. With a reach of over 5,000 patients daily, the hospital is already a lifeline for the working-class population.

The introduction of open-heart surgery facilities will complement the existing services, which include angiography and angioplasty, further enhancing the hospital's capability to address complex cardiac issues.
A Step Towards Accessible Healthcare

Patients requiring advanced heart care currently face long waits and high costs at private hospitals. The new facility will ensure timely treatment and reduce the financial burden on families. Once operational, ESIC Hospital will become a key center for affordable and specialized cardiac care in the region.

With this development, ESIC reaffirms its commitment to expanding its super-specialty services and improving healthcare access for all.