INADEQUATE FIRE FIGHTING ARRANGEMENTS IN DWARKA

M K Gupta

The multi-storied flats in Dwarka are not safe in case of fire on upper floors which was also witnessed during the recent fire at Ganapathi Apartment at Sector 9, Dwarka. In a reply to an RTI application filed by M. K. Gupta of Dwarka, the Public information Officer of Delhi Fire Service has informed that allowed maximum height for flats in Dwarka is ground plus three floors (less than 15 metres). But all the group housing societies have flats up over the prescribed permissible height of 15 meters of the fire deptt; the question is whether the Dwarka Fire Station shall be able to act immediately. The government is charging fee for fire fighting facilities and issuing no objection certificates for multi-stories, the lack of arrangements to fight fire at upper floors at Dwarka is intriguing.

The Fire Department has replied that such provisions are not mandatory, however fire units / tenders are available for fire fighting but in the recent fire at Shri Ganapathi Apartment the fact came to light that the fire department was unable to effectively douse the fire even on 5 and 6th floor on its own. The fire has extinguished after engulfing all the material on these floors coupled with the efforts to put it out with the help of fire fighting arrangements available at the Society. Fortunately, there was no loss to human life. The Delhi Fire department has stated that it has no role in ensuring that the societies are taking proper care of their fire fighting system and equipments.

On grounds of late reporting to douse the fire at Ganapathi Apartments, Department has been informed that no such case (meaning late reporting) has been reported. The information is NIL on the query about providing the list of drawbacks to fight fire effectively at sector 6 fire station and steps taken to remove them. It also been informed that no guidelines have been issued for DDA pockets in case of fire.

INFORMATION SOUGHT AND ANSWERS RECEIVED FROM FIRE DEPTT. DELHI
Kindly furnish the following information on the above noted subject:
(a) Maximum height in meters for the flats allowed in Dwarka.
Answer- Ground Plus Three (Less than 15 meters).

(b) Arrangements available at Dwarka fire station for fighting fire on such height.
Ans- Such provision are not mandatory. However fire units/ tenders are available for fire fighting.

(c) Grounds of late reporting to attend call and failure to douse the recent fire effectively on 5th and 6th floor of Ganapathi Apartments in Sector 9.
Ans - No such case has been reported.

(d) Whether any system of periodical check/ fire drill/ mock exercise etc. in Group Housing Societies and DDA Pockets does exist?
Ans. - No such provision.

(e) Is there any role of the Fire Department to ensure that the Managements of Group Housing Societies are taking proper care of their FIRE Fighting system and equipments?
Ans- No.

(f) Please the copy of the guidelines issued for DDA Pockets by the Fire Department, if any.
Ans- No Guidelines issued.

(g) Please provide the list of drawbacks to fight fire effectively and steps taken to remove them.
Ans. Nil.

TREES NEED TRIMING

At many spots in Dwarka, trees have not been trimmed and some pose hazard to traffic specially to the drivers of two-wheeler. This can be seen on many roads, I mention internal road of sector six connecting road to Najafgarh road from Karor/ Haneman Society to Rudra Society in the same sector. Here, you will notice that branches of many trees have come as low as 3-4 feet high from the road. Some trees are occupying almost 1/3 or ΒΌ of usable space of road. Some such trees can be witnessed in front Diamond other societies of this sector and pose danger to the drivers of open vehicles. Horticulture Deptt. of DDA should take steps by trimming the branches which are dangerous.

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