Treat Sector 17 as ‘campus’ or block for fire safety norms: Architecture Dept

Controversy arose after the Fire Wing refused to give NOC to TDI mall that was constructed where Jagat Cinema existed. It was pointed out that the mall does not have the provision for a fire tender to go around the building as is mandatory under the National Building Code.

The problem exists with most of the buildings in Sector 17. In case old buildings are demolished and new buildings are to be constructed,the same conflict could arise again. A large number of buildings in Sector 17 are constructed around a plaza. Due to this,most of the buildings cannot be accessed from all sides.

While the plaza and the buildings here were created before the National Building Code was prevalent,for new construction the provisions are proving hard to be fulfilled in this area. It is being proposed that the fire safety measures be provided for complete blocks of buildings apart from what is the mandatory condition for equipment inside the building.

For the market in Sector 22 also it is proposed that some fire fighting equipment like hydrants be installed in the parking lots. UT Chief Architect Sumit Kaur said,“The plaza needs to be treated as a block or campus. Fire safety measures can be put in place for the whole area together. Fire tenders can reach the buildings from different sides. Sector 17 is under strict architectural control and too many changes cannot be made in order to preserve Corbusier’s design. There is a need for holistic planning of the area so that the problem does not arise in the future.”

Officials claim that the provisions of the National Building Code are being followed in construction everywhere else including in Industrial Area where plots were converted.

The Fire Wing has meanwhile been raising objections that giving NOC to the mall could prove disastrous for the lives of people in case of a mishap. The objection was initially raised in 2010 when the plan was being approved and the issue is hanging fire till date. An appeal is now pending with the UT Home Secretary to take a decision on the issue.