Private companies to now issue fire NOCs in Delhi as govt notifies new fire safety rules
New Delhi, May 28
Private companies and experts will now be allowed to inspect buildings and issue Fire Safety Certificates in Delhi under the newly notified Delhi Fire Service Rules, 2025, according to a notification issued in the Delhi Government Gazette.
According to the press release, the Delhi government has amended fire safety regulations to strengthen monitoring systems, improve emergency response mechanisms and streamline fire safety compliance across the national capital.
The amended rules introduce the concept of "Fire Safety Auditors", allowing private experts and agencies to participate in the inspection of fire safety arrangements in buildings. These auditors will be required to register with the Director of the Delhi Fire Service, and Fire NOCs issued after their inspections will carry legal validity, the press release stated.
As part of the restructuring measures, Delhi has also been divided into five major fire zones and 13 divisions to ensure faster response and better management during emergencies.
According to the press release, the five major zones are Central, East, West, North and South. Several local divisions will function under these zones, including Vikaspuri and Janakpuri under the West division, and Chhatarpur and Malviya Nagar under the South division.
The new rules also provide for stricter penalties against violations of fire safety norms. The press release stated that Deputy Chief Fire Officers will have the authority to impose fines ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000 for minor violations. In more serious cases, the Director of the Fire Service can settle matters involving fines exceeding Rs 50,000.
The Delhi government has also introduced provisions for rewarding acts of bravery during fire incidents. According to the press release, citizens and fire service personnel displaying exceptional courage or service during emergencies may receive cash rewards. The Director can sanction rewards of up to Rs 1 lakh, while the Chief Officer can approve rewards up to Rs 75,000. Higher rewards may be granted with government approval in special cases.
The amended rules further mandate a complete shift to digital payment systems for all transactions related to the Fire Department. The press release stated that cash and offline payments will be discontinued, and all fees or compounding charges will have to be paid through bank drafts, pay orders or online payment gateways. Once notified by the Director, only online payment modes will be accepted.
Additionally, an automated monitoring mechanism has been introduced to track the validity and expiry of Fire Safety Certificates. According to the press release, Fire NOCs will remain valid only if annual declarations are submitted online through 'Form K'. Selected sensitive buildings will also be required to comply with continuous automated monitoring systems and cybersecurity protocols.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is a practical reform! As someone who runs a small business in Janakpuri, I know how difficult it was to get fire NOCs earlier because of the long queues at government offices. But Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000 fine for minor violations seems too steep for small shop owners like us. They should consider a graded penalty system.
Rewards up to Rs 1 lakh for bravery is a nice touch! 🙌 After the recent fire incidents in Laxmi Nagar and other congested areas, we need more incentives for people to act quickly. Also, the division into 5 zones should help response times. Hope the Delhi Fire Service gets the resources to actually implement this properly.
I'm cautiously optimistic. The automated monitoring for certificate expiry and 'Form K' submissions sound good on paper, but in practice, will small builders and residents in unauthorised colonies comply? Many buildings in Delhi don't even have basic fire exits. Also, why no mention of upgrading fire stations in south Delhi areas like Chhatarpur?
As an expat living in Delhi for 5 years, I've seen how fire safety is often ignored here. This is a step in the right direction. Digital payments and automated monitoring will reduce corruption. But I hope the "Fire Safety Auditors" are truly independent and not just former government officials who will rubber-stamp approvals. Transparency is key.
The devil is in the details. Of the 5 zones mentioned, what about areas like Dwarka or Rohini? Are they covered under West or North zone? Also, continuous automated monitoring for "selected sensitive
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