In a significant move aimed at strengthening Delhi’s emergency response system, Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Monday suggested utilising ex-Agniveers to fill operational vacancies in the Delhi Fire Services, as the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) reviewed fire safety enforcement, illegal constructions, heatwave management and monsoon preparedness across the Capital.
The proposal came during a DDMA meeting chaired by the L-G and attended by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Home Minister Ashish Sood and PWD Minister Parvesh Verma. The meeting undertook a comprehensive review of ongoing operations against illegal and vulnerable buildings, misuse of licences related to fire safety and measures required to improve disaster preparedness in Delhi.
The L-G said while Delhi faces multiple disaster-related challenges, these should be treated as opportunities to improve preparedness and resilience. Reviewing the ongoing enforcement drive against illegal constructions and licence violations, he stressed that the authorities must act firmly without troubling ordinary citizens.
“While safety rules must be followed, enforcement should never become an excuse for the harassment of ordinary residents,” he said.
At the same time, he directed agencies to stop “ongoing blatant and brazen non-compliant illegal construction in the city and unauthorised plotting of land being carried out.”
The meeting also reviewed plans to increase the number of fire stations across Delhi to improve response times and emergency coverage.
Expressing concern over the implementation of fire safety enforcement measures, the L-G was informed that the Delhi Fire Services had not issued even a single notice till now. He expressed strong displeasure and directed the Principal Director of the Delhi Fire Services to immediately take necessary action and submit reports to the offices of the L-G, Chief Minister and the Home Minister.
To strengthen accountability, special teams comprising District Magistrates, Deputy Commissioners of Police, MCD officials and Delhi Fire Services officers have been instructed to submit regular action taken reports (ATRs).
The L-G warned that any negligence, lack of diligence or failure to perform duties would directly affect officers’ annual confidential report (ACR) grading.
In another key decision, the DDMA accepted Home Minister Ashish Sood’s suggestion to enforce Section 32 of the Delhi Fire Services Act, 2007, extending fire prevention and fire safety measures to all multi-storey buildings in Delhi, irrespective of whether they require a fire safety certificate.
To improve transparency and public participation, the L-G suggested that the MCD allows citizens to upload photographs of illegal constructions through its 311 App and public portal.
Reviewing monsoon preparedness, the L-G called for strict implementation of desilting works and directed agencies to work towards “absolute zero tolerance for waterlogging and flooding during the upcoming rainy season.” He stressed that “administrative learning must never stop,” urging officials to remain open to practical solutions and suggestions from all available sources.
The DDMA meeting also reviewed the implementation of Delhi’s Heat Wave Action Plan and preparedness measures for the forthcoming monsoon season, with officials directed to ensure seamless coordination among all departments.
