Recently, a tragic fire at a nightclub in Goa’s Arpora village claimed 25 lives, highlighting serious lapses in fire safety compliance.

• This fire, following several others in recent memory, underscores the deep-rooted issue of non-compliance with fire safety regulations across the country.

Key Lapses in Fire Safety at the Goa Nightclub

• Absence of Mandatory Permissions: The nightclub lacked essential permits and fire safety clearances, despite multiple warnings, including from the village panchayat.
• Fire Safety Violations: Fundamental fire safety measures, such as proper exits, were absent, leaving people trapped inside.
• Inadequate Ventilation: The basement kitchen lacked ventilation, and flammable materials, such as bamboo, were used in the furnishings and decor. This turned the venue into a tinderbox, making the fire more devastating.

Recurring Fire Safety Violations Across India

• NCRB Report: According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report for 2022, there were 7,435 fatalities due to over 7,500 fire accidents in India that year
• Recurring Fire Incidents: The Goa nightclub fire is part of a larger pattern of fire safety violations in India, including past incidents such as the Jaipur hospital fire (October) and multiple fires in Delhi and Rajkot (2024).
• Gap Between Laws and Enforcement: There is a widening gap between the National Building Code, state laws, and their enforcement, particularly in commercial establishments such as restaurants, shopping malls, and clubs.
• Increased Risk: With the proliferation of high-rises, hotels, and other public spaces, especially in dense metropolises like Delhi and Mumbai, fire safety standards are often flouted to prioritize growth and expansion.

Fire Safety Standards and Regulations in India

• Constitutional Provisions: 
  • Fire services are a state subject under the Constitution of India and are included in the 12th Schedule (under Article 243W), which outlines the powers, authorities, and responsibilities of municipalities.
  • State governments are tasked with fire prevention and implementing safety measures through the State Fire Services Act or building bylaws.
• National Building Code (NBC):
  • The National Building Code (NBC), published by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in 1970 and updated in 2016, serves as the central standard for fire safety in India.
  • It provides guidelines on general construction requirements, maintenance, exit routes, and fire safety of buildings.
  • It is recommended for state governments to incorporate NBC recommendations on fire safety and rescue measures into their local bylaws.
• Model Building Bye Laws 2016
• • The Model Building Bye Laws 2016, issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, serve as guidelines for states and Union Territories to draft their own building bylaws.
  • The Model Bye Laws also prescribe fire protection and safety standards to ensure that buildings adhere to fire safety regulations.
• NDMA Guidelines: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued fire safety guidelines for various settings, including homes, schools, and hospitals, to improve overall safety and preparedness.

Initiatives Taken for Fire Safety

• Model Bill for Fire and Emergency Services, 2019: The Model Bill offers a framework for states to efficiently manage fire and emergency services.
• Fire and Life Safety Guidelines: In 2020, the Ministry of Health circulated guidelines emphasizing third-party accreditation for fire safety, creation of Fire Response Plans (FRP), and other safety measures.
• Scheme for Expansion and Modernization of Fire Services, 2023: Launched by the Central Government in 2023, this scheme was prompted by the 15th Finance Commission, which recommended an allocation of ₹5,000 crore to enhance fire services at the state level  for the period up to 2025-26.
• Fire Safety Week: The Union Health Ministry observes Fire Safety Week across India from April 21st to 25th to raise awareness about fire prevention and safety practices nationwide.

Challenges in Maintaining Fire Safety Standards

• Lack of Uniform Legislation: Since fire services are regulated at the state level, there are inconsistencies in safety standards across the country.
  • Most states have not updated their laws in line with the Model Fire Act (2019), and the NBC provisions, including fire and life safety audits, are only recommendatory, not uniformly enforced.
• Weak Government Oversight: Fire safety guidelines are poorly enforced due to inadequate checks by local authorities, low-quality inspections, rare follow-ups, and corruption.
  • Despite the National Building Code (NBC) being a key guideline, many of its provisions are frequently ignored at the local level. Even mandatory safety certifications are often overlooked.
• Poor Urban Planning: A study by the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) highlights that inadequate planning and poor enforcement of norms in urban areas are major contributors to increasing fire risks. 
  • In many cases, informal settlements are excluded from building bylaws and planning regulations, leading to development without any regard for fire safety.
• Non-Compliance with Fire Safety Standards: Many major fire incidents have been attributed to violations of fire safety norms by builders and private entities.

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Way Forward

• Uniform Fire Safety Legislation: There is an urgent need for a national fire safety law that ensures uniform fire safety regulations across all states, with strict enforcement mechanisms.
• Strengthened Government Oversight: Enhanced monitoring and penalties for non-compliance should be introduced to ensure that fire safety norms are followed at all levels.
• Improved Urban Planning: Urban planning policies must incorporate fire safety measures from the planning stage, particularly in high-density urban areas and informal settlements.
• Database: Establish a National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS-India) modeled after the US National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), using data-driven hotspot inspection techniques.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Nationwide fire safety awareness campaigns, along with community involvement, will help reduce risks and encourage compliance with safety standards.

Conclusion

The tragedy in Goa and other similar incidents call for urgent action to dismantle the systems of complacency and negligence. Beyond individual investigations, there is a need for systemic reforms in the implementation of fire safety regulations, including regular inspections, penalties for non-compliance, and public awareness to safeguard lives in the future.

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