Srinagar’s old city most vulnerable due to dense structures
Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Feb 24 : Despite hundreds of fire incidents reported annually, the “toothless” Fire & Emergency Services Department remains powerless to act against violators due to the absence of enforcement powers under the pending Fire Safety Model Bill.
According to official data accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), nearly 600 fire incidents were reported in Srinagar in 2023 alone, while Budgam district witnessed 276 incidents. In just the first month of 2024, Kashmir recorded 41 fire incidents, including 9 in Srinagar.
These recurring incidents have raised serious concerns about the lack of fire safety measures in both commercial and residential buildings, especially in the congested areas of the old city.
Deputy Director of Fire & Emergency Services Command Srinagar, Er. Mohmad Arif Mir, told KNO that the primary reason for the frequent fire incidents is the increased use of heating devices during the harsh winter months. “Structures are already vulnerable, and the use of substandard equipment or failure to follow safety protocols often leads to devastating consequences,” Mir said.
The department has been conducting fire safety audits for government buildings, schools, and hospitals through an online portal. A dedicated helpline is also available for reporting fire safety concerns.
However, Mir said that many establishments, particularly in Srinagar’s Downtown area, continue to ignore safety norms. “While fines can be imposed, the department lacks the enforcement powers to take strict action against violators,” he added.
The root of the problem lies in the delayed implementation of the Fire Safety Model Bill, which has been under consideration for the past two years. “Until the bill is passed and becomes an act, the department cannot enforce fire safety regulations or hold violators accountable,” Mir told KNO.
The non-implementation of the Fire Force Act (1967), which mandates the installation of safety equipment in buildings, has also been blamed for the frequent fire accidents. Unplanned urbanization has exacerbated the issue, with houses in many areas of Srinagar built so close together that fire spreads rapidly, causing extensive damage. In several localities, the absence of adequate fire gaps between buildings hampers the fire brigade’s ability to control flames effectively—(KNO)
