The Ludhiana Municipal Corporation has issued a strict 30-day ultimatum to residents and business owners to obtain a Fire Safety No Objection Certificate (NOC). This decisive action comes in the wake of a major fire incident that recently caused significant damage in the Basant Nagar area of the industrial city.
Strict Deadline and Heavy Penalties Announced
Municipal Commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal announced on Thursday that all buildings used for commercial purposes must secure the mandatory fire safety clearance. The directive is based on the Fire Prevention and Fire Safety Act, 2012, and the newly enforced Punjab Fire and Emergency Service Act, 2024.
The order applies to a wide range of establishments, including:
- All commercial buildings and institutions
- Educational institutions and coaching centres
- Industrial units and factories
Commissioner Dachalwal warned that failure to comply within the stipulated 30-day period will result in severe consequences. Hefty fines of up to Rs 50,000 will be imposed on defaulters. In cases of persistent violation, the authorities have the power to seal the non-compliant buildings.
Online Process and Safety Requirements
To facilitate the public, the process for obtaining the Fire Safety NOC has been made available online. Applicants can use the official portal: https://fasttrack.punjab.gov.in/. The website contains detailed instructions, eligibility conditions, and the government-prescribed fee structure.
The civic body has emphasized that the required fire safety arrangements must align with the National Building Code, 2016. Owners are responsible for ensuring their premises meet these standards before applying for the certificate.
For assistance, the fire department has been directed to help residents. Specific contact details have been provided:
- Assistant Divisional Fire Officer (ADFO) Jaswinder Singh: 83600-32550
- Sub Fire Officer (SFO) Dinesh Kumar: 98761-85858
- Email: fbludhiana101@gmail.com
The Catalyst: A Wake-Up Call from Basant Nagar
The urgency behind this crackdown stems from a serious fire that broke out on Monday night in a Basant Nagar building. The structure was being used by a scrap dealer to store electronic waste. The blaze caused old air conditioner compressors and other materials to explode, leading to major damage to the building and adjacent houses.
The Municipal Corporation has ordered a thorough probe into this incident. It has served as a stark reminder of the potential hazards in the densely populated industrial town, prompting the administration to enforce long-standing safety laws strictly.
This move signifies a major shift towards proactive enforcement of fire safety regulations in Ludhiana, aiming to prevent future tragedies and ensure the safety of its residents and industrial workforce.
