Recent Blaze Exposes Regulatory Loopholes
The devastating fire at Jayashree Chemicals in Vatva GIDC Phase-4 on Friday has thrust a critical safety issue into the spotlight. Currently, industrial units within Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) areas that fall under municipal limits are not required to obtain fire no objection certificates (NOCs) from local civic bodies.
This eight-hour inferno, which left two people severely injured, highlights the dangerous consequences of this regulatory gap. Safety experts are now questioning the wisdom of exempting industrial facilities from mandatory fire safety certifications.
How Government Policies Created the Gap
The exemption stems from a state government notification issued in July 2021, effectively stripping the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) of its authority to issue fire NOCs in urban industrial zones including Odhav, Naroda, and GIDC areas like Vatva.
“While fire safety laws mandate the installation of fire suppression systems in such units, the absence of a mandatory NOC requirement means there is no consistent authority overseeing inspections and ensuring these systems are in place and functional,” explained a senior AMC official who requested anonymity.
Evolution of Fire Safety Regulations
The regulatory framework for fire safety in Gujarat has undergone significant changes over the years. Government sources reveal, “The state government enacted the Gujarat Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act in 2013, amended it in 2014, created rules in 2016, and made regulatory amendments in 2018. Since its enactment, the Act was amended 12 times.”
Initially, the legislation was comprehensive in its coverage. “Under the Gujarat Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, only residential buildings up to 15 metres in height are exempt from fire NOCs. All commercial properties must obtain fire NOCs,” stated an official familiar with the regulations.
Critical 2021 Policy Change
The turning point came in early 2021 when the state government issued detailed rules specifying fire NOC requirements for various building categories and appointed fire safety officers. All industrial units were originally required to obtain fire NOCs under this framework.
However, just six months later, on July 8, 2021, another notification fundamentally altered this requirement. This new directive removed item 9 from the January 2021 notification, effectively withdrawing the authority of corporations and municipalities to issue fire NOCs to industrial units and centralizing this responsibility.
Safety Implications for Industrial Operations
The practical effect of these changes has been a reduction in oversight for industrial fire safety. L.K. Dungarani, retired deputy director of industrial safety and health, clarified the situation: “The July 8, 2021 notification exempted industrial units from fire NOCs but not from installing fire equipment.”
This distinction creates a problematic scenario where compliance becomes voluntary rather than enforced. “Some major industries voluntarily install fire safety equipment, but others do not, increasing fire risks,” Dungarani explained.
Current Regulatory Status
The present regulatory landscape creates an inconsistent approach to fire safety. “According to the law, industries involved in production are exempt from fire NOCs, while warehouses or godowns must obtain them,” noted Dungarani.
This discrepancy leaves many industrial operations in a grey area regarding fire safety compliance. Without mandatory inspections and certifications, the responsibility for ensuring adequate fire prevention measures falls primarily on the industrial units themselves.
The Jayashree Chemicals fire serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences when regulatory frameworks fail to ensure comprehensive safety standards across all industrial facilities, regardless of their location or administrative jurisdiction.
