The Gujarat government has told the Gujarat High Court that major changes to the Comprehensive General Development Control Regulations (CGDCR) are in the pipeline, with the revised framework expected to strengthen building and fire safety standards across the state.
The assurance came during the hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) concerning fire safety and regulatory lapses, following tragedies including the Rajkot TRP Game Zone fire and the Shrey Hospital fire.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice D.N. Ray questioned the state government over gaps in fire safety enforcement, including vacancies in the fire services department and the absence of a permanent Director of Gujarat State Fire Prevention Services.
Court flags gaps in existing fire norms
During the hearing, advocate Amit Panchal highlighted what he described as shortcomings in the existing safety regulations.
The court was informed that fire safety No-Objection Certificates are currently not mandatory for firecracker shops with an area of less than 500 square metres. Concerns were also raised over the absence of mandatory fire safety inspections for balwadis and playgroups catering to children below four years of age.
The issues prompted the court to seek the state’s response on how such establishments are being monitored and protected against fire-related risks. The state government assured the bench that a permanent Director of Fire Services would be appointed shortly.
High-rises may get mandatory refuge floors
The proposed changes to the CGDCR are also expected to introduce additional safety requirements for high-rise buildings. According to the government’s submissions before the court, the revised regulations may require high-rise structures to keep an entire floor vacant after every three floors. These designated spaces would function as refuge areas during emergencies, providing occupants with a safer location during evacuation and giving rescue teams additional space to operate.
The proposed measures are part of a broader effort to strengthen disaster preparedness as Gujarat prepares for major international events and infrastructure expansion, including Ahmedabad’s plans related to the proposed 2030 Commonwealth Games.
Court seeks regular fire safety drills
The High Court also directed authorities to organise regular and surprise fire mock drills at crowded public places on working days.
The exercise is intended to assess the actual preparedness of emergency services, including response times and coordination during a crisis. The state government also explained the three-tier structure of fire services and informed the court that Municipal Commissioners are responsible for fire service recruitment and ensuring compliance with safety requirements within municipal corporation areas.
The court’s observations come amid continued scrutiny of fire safety enforcement and the implementation of building safety regulations across Gujarat.