Delhi govt notifies changes in building by-laws, no kitchen in rooftop or basement
NEW DELHI: On the first working day after the withdrawal of model code of conduct, the Delhi government changed the building by-laws following the investigation of Arpit Hotel fire. The new bylaws noted that no kitchen would be allowed on rooftops and the basements. "I have notified the change in the building by-laws on the basis of the investigations done after the Arpit Hotel fire at Karol Bagh. I have visited various hotels myself and found illegalities. We will also take strict actions against these hotels," said Satyendar Jain, minister of the fire department.
The government changed 10 aspects of the building by-laws which includes that there should not be any cooking activity in the rooftop or in the basement. It also noted that no artificial roof above the rooftop would be allowed. "No temporary roofing over the floor or terrace using FRP or any inflammable material will be allowed. Inflammable construction materials will not be used in passage, corridors or staircases like wooden panelling, foam panelling, carpet etc," noted the notification.
It further added, "Gas Bank, if any will be installed conforming to the standards prescribed in the National Building Code (NBC). One NOC for Guest-house will not be issued to those buildings, which have more than four floors (excluding basement and stilt floor). "The notification also noted that Owner or Director Partner will have to submit three signed hard copies along with one softcopy in PDF format of all the floor plans indicating fire floor-wise use while submitting the application to the Fire Department for NOC.
"Carbon Monoxide detectors and alarm as per standards as required by Delhi Fire Service should be installed. Natural or mechanical arrangements be made for smoke ventilation of all passages and corridors at each floor level and staircases," the notification said. The Delhi government also notified that Fire Dome having fire resistance rating of not less than 1 hour at the entrance of staircases at each floor level should be provided where there are more than 10 occupants on each floor. In February this year, 17 people were killed in a massive fire that broke out in Hotel Arpit Palace in Karol Bagh area of New Delhi.
