The Odisha government has made fire safety compliance mandatory for the construction of government buildings. The government stated that no project will be approved without adequate fire prevention and control measures in place. The Works Department has issued detailed guidelines mandating strict adherence to fire safety standards in all government construction projects.
As per the directive, buildings without proper fire safety arrangements will not be granted construction permission. Officials have clarified that no building plan will be approved unless fire safety systems are thoroughly inspected by authorised authorities.
This marks a significant step towards strengthening safety protocols in public infrastructure.
The guidelines make it compulsory to obtain a clearance certificate from the Fire Services Department before the commencement of any construction work. Without this approval, projects will not be allowed to proceed.
Authorities have emphasised that verification of fire safety arrangements is a prerequisite at the planning stage itself, ensuring that compliance is built into the design and execution of projects.
Under the new norms, all buildings must be equipped with comprehensive fire-fighting systems, alarm systems, and fire extinguishing equipment. In addition, safe exit routes and proper access for fire service personnel have been made mandatory.
These provisions aim to ensure preparedness in case of emergencies and to minimize risks in high-occupancy government buildings. The government has also directed a review of fire safety systems in existing government buildings across the state. Immediate corrective measures have been mandated to address any deficiencies identified during inspections.
Special focus will also be placed on crowded establishments such as hospitals, educational institutions and government offices, where ensuring fire safety remains critical.
