Lucknow: Owners of buildings exempt from fire no objection certificates (NOCs) must now certify compliance with over 40 fire and electrical safety norms before getting building plans approved, under Lucknow Development Authority rules. Failure can lead to sealing, demolition or criminal action.The decision was announced at a joint LDA-fire department workshop at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan on Thursday, attended by over 200 hotel owners. The norms will also apply to gyms, schools, coaching centres, restaurants and other commercial buildings.LDA has made it mandatory to submit a notarised affidavit with plan applications. Owners must confirm eligibility for NOC exemption, adhere to the approved plan, avoid unauthorised changes and implement all safety measures. They will also be liable for violations.Key norms include clear exits, fire alarms, extinguishers, smoke detectors, safe LPG use, evacuation plans and access for fire tenders. Electrical safety requirements include certified wiring, proper earthing, MCB/ELCB installation and periodic inspections.For now, within 24 hours, owners must inspect firefighting systems, clear escape routes, remove storage from staircases and shift LPG cylinders to safe locations. Within seven days, they must install EXIT signage and evacuation maps, provide smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, and complete electrical checks.Within 30 days, they must conduct detailed electrical audits, obtain fire NOCs where required, get plans approved or regularised through the LDA, and train staff in fire safety. Owners of unauthorised buildings have been advised to apply under the LDA’s One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme.Authorities warned that violations could also lead to cancellation of licences, utility disconnections and prosecution. Architects and engineers have been made accountable for certifying compliance with building by-laws and safety codes.LDA secretary Vivek Srivastava, chief town planner K K Gautam and executive engineer Mahendra Singh were present at the workshop.
