Owners of unsafe high-rises face action

The fire department will issue notices to 160 buildings that don't have fire safety equipment. The notices will be issued to developers or residents' welfare association of the building concerned.

The fire department will issue notices to 160 buildings that don't have fire safety equipment. The notices will be issued to developers or residents' welfare association of the building concerned.

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If those who have been served notices don't set things right, the department will file a complaint and take action thereafter.

According to the fire department, at least 160 buildings with a height above 35 metres don't have ‘no objection certificates’ issued by the Haryana fire services department.

These buildings are potentially unsafe for residents, the department stated. “We are issuing the notices not for our own sake but for the welfare of residents who are living in these unsafe high-rises," said chief fire officer HC Sihag.

“The developer or builder should first install fire safety equipment and then apply for a no-objection certificate. But nobody is bothered about it, and that is where the problem starts," said Sihag.

According to the department, those who don't improve safety conditions will be fined Rs 5,000 or will have to undergo three months imprisonment.

For not meeting safety standards in the long run, the defaulter will be fined Rs 1,000 per day.