Why are buildings not protected from fire outbreaks?
Real Estate

Why are buildings not protected from fire outbreaks?

Among the most recent reports, 20 students were killed and several injured after a major fire broke out – triggered by a short circuit – at a coaching centre in Sarthana area of Surat. According to India Risk Survey (IRS) 2018, as reported, fire outbreak is the third biggest risk to business continuity and operations. “The recommendations for construction of low-rise and high-rise structures should be properly followed,” says Dr Pramod Kumar Gupta, Professor, Structural Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT-Roorkee, adding that, in most cases, basic recommendations are not followed. “The used material should meet the specified requirement of fire resistance. A new version of IS 456 specifically covers different structural elements as per fire resistance.”

Consider this: In Delhi, a fire broke out at Arpit Palace hotel in Karol Bagh on February 12 and a four-storey building belonging to gift store Archies on February 14. Last year, a fire broke out in Beaumonde Towers in Mumbai’s Prabhadevi, the complex where actor Deepika Padukone resides; also, the government-run ESIC Kamgar Hospital located in suburban Andheri in Mumbai caught fire. Reports revealed that the hospital contained inflammable material owing to ongoing construction work, which caught fire, and the flames spread rapidly. Also, firefighting equipment was reportedly not in place.

While non-compliance of safety norms and under-equipped fire services are responsible for the sudden increase in risk posed by fire outbreaks, the use of low-quality or wrong building materials does contribute to such mishaps.

SHRIYAL SETHUMADHAVAN

Redefine the future of urban mobility! Join us at the Metro Rail Conference 2025 to explore groundbreaking ideas and insights. 👉 Register today!

Among the most recent reports, 20 students were killed and several injured after a major fire broke out – triggered by a short circuit – at a coaching centre in Sarthana area of Surat. According to India Risk Survey (IRS) 2018, as reported, fire outbreak is the third biggest risk to business continuity and operations. “The recommendations for construction of low-rise and high-rise structures should be properly followed,” says Dr Pramod Kumar Gupta, Professor, Structural Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT-Roorkee, adding that, in most cases, basic recommendations are not followed. “The used material should meet the specified requirement of fire resistance. A new version of IS 456 specifically covers different structural elements as per fire resistance.” Consider this: In Delhi, a fire broke out at Arpit Palace hotel in Karol Bagh on February 12 and a four-storey building belonging to gift store Archies on February 14. Last year, a fire broke out in Beaumonde Towers in Mumbai’s Prabhadevi, the complex where actor Deepika Padukone resides; also, the government-run ESIC Kamgar Hospital located in suburban Andheri in Mumbai caught fire. Reports revealed that the hospital contained inflammable material owing to ongoing construction work, which caught fire, and the flames spread rapidly. Also, firefighting equipment was reportedly not in place. While non-compliance of safety norms and under-equipped fire services are responsible for the sudden increase in risk posed by fire outbreaks, the use of low-quality or wrong building materials does contribute to such mishaps. SHRIYAL SETHUMADHAVAN

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Nagpur Body Collects Rs 836 Million in Property Tax as Scheme Ends

The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) concluded its property tax rebate scheme on December 31, 2024, amassing Rs 836 million from 1,63,813 property owners between July 1 and December 31. The scheme offered a 10% rebate for online payments and 5% for offline payments, incentivising many to clear their dues. However, a significant number of taxpayers missed the opportunity. Earlier in the financial year, NMC introduced higher rebates of up to 15% for online payments and 10% for offline payments for dues cleared before June 30, 2024. This earlier phase of the scheme resulted in Rs 768.5 mil..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Tata Power Invites EoI for 500 MW Renewable Energy Procurement

Tata Power Trading Company (TPTCL), a subsidiary of Tata Power, has released an Expression of Interest (EoI) to procure up to 500 MW of renewable energy, encompassing solar, wind, hybrid, hydroelectric projects, or green attributes for a contract period of up to 25 years. Interested bidders must submit their proposals by January 31, 2025. The procurement scope includes off-taking energy or green attributes generated from renewable projects, with flexibility for physical or virtual procurement. The delivery point will be the interconnection between the project and the central or state transmi..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Andhra Pradesh to Lift Ban on 22A Lands, Resurvey to Begin January 20

The Andhra Pradesh government has announced plans to lift the ban on 22A lands, a move aimed at benefiting economically disadvantaged groups. District collectors have been instructed to submit reports within three days, detailing the number and categories of 22A lands in their jurisdictions. Additionally, the state will restart a comprehensive land resurvey on January 20. Revenue Minister Anagani Satya Prasad criticised the previous government for allegedly misusing 22A provisions to harass landowners and facilitate land grabbing. He stated that 450,000 acres were unlawfully exempted from the..

Hi There!

"Now get regular updates from CW Magazine on WhatsApp!

Join the CW WhatsApp channel for the latest news, industry events, expert insights, and project updates from the construction and infrastructure industry.

Click the link below to join"

+91 81086 03000