New Delhi: The deadly Kolkata hotel blaze that claimed nine lives has once again put the spotlight on fire safety in Delhi’s hotels, eateries and guesthouses. With combustible interiors, commercial kitchens and complex electrical installations increasing the risk, compliance remains a crucial safeguard against tragedy.However, fire department data highlights significant gaps, including expired certificates, unresolved shortcomings or pending compliance at several establishments. Only 78 hotels currently have valid fire safety certificates (FSCs). Of the 98 hotels that applied for NOCs, 15 were found to have shortcomings while five are yet to comply with guidelines.A fire official said hotels often have several facilities which can be potential fire hazards. These include banquet areas with highly combustible materials, basements where electric vehicles are charged, laundry, faulty or poor electrical wiring, and the possibility of electrical overloading.Among eateries, 1,163 have valid FSCs while 514 certificates have expired. Shortcomings were found in 1,285 establishments, while 838 cases are under reply or re-application. A total of 216 establishments were found to be not under the fire department’s purview.Chief fire officer A K Malik said widespread installation of smoke detectors and sprinkler systems in buildings and commercial establishments could significantly reduce the number of deaths in fire incidents. He added that early detection, coupled with an automatic sprinkler system, could help control a blaze at an initial stage, provide occupants with crucial time to evacuate and prevent the fire from spreading rapidly.Malik said 97% of fire-related deaths could potentially be averted if such basic fire-safety systems were installed and maintained across buildings. The fire department has also sent a proposal to Delhi Development Authority after in-principle approval of Delhi govt, seeking these measures to be incorporated in the amended UBBL-2016 to strengthen fire safety in buildings across the city.Among guest houses, 1,253 have valid FSCs while 436 certificates have expired. Another 496 have been found with shortcomings while 16 FSCs have been suspended or cancelled. As many as 251 cases are pending a response or re-application while 129 establishments are not under the fire department’s purview. Thirty guest houses have also been reported closed.Guest houses and hotels more than 12 metres in height, including buildings with a ground floor and three upper storeys with a mezzanine floor, are required to obtain a fire NOC before commencing operations.A senior fire official said a fire NOC for a hotel is valid for five years if the premises is classified as residential, while for non-residential establishments and eateries, it is valid for three years.“There are several reasons for fires in such establishments. Nowadays, panelling is widely used for interior decoration, and these panels are often made of combustible materials, such as foam or plywood,” he said.In guest houses, there is often only a single staircase, and the presence of multiple electrical appliances also increases the risk of short circuits. In eateries, kitchens pose an additional fire hazard as LPG and other flammable gases are commonly used.
