The absence of a firefighting system at the Dhanas Rehabilitation Colony has drawn attention from the Union Territory administration. The Punjab governor and UT administrator recently directed the Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) to install a comprehensive firefighting system as a matter of urgency, citing the potential risk to over 45,000 residents. The directive emphasizes immediate action and a report on progress within a month.
The Dhanas Rehabilitation Colony, the largest of its kind in Chandigarh, comprises 8,448 flats allocated to families relocated from various slum areas of the city under the national slum rehabilitation scheme. These flats were occupied by beneficiaries in 2013 after construction, with leases granted to identified allottees. However, despite being operational for over a decade, the colony remains without a firefighting system, leaving thousands vulnerable in case of emergencies.
Local activists have criticized the delay, pointing out that the provision of firefighting equipment is mandated under the National Building Code (NBC) 2016 for multi-storey residential complexes. They highlighted that the Estate Officer of the UT had issued completion or occupancy certificates without verifying the installation of such mandatory safety measures, raising questions about administrative oversight.
Initial budget allocations for the system had been rejected by authorities, delaying installation. After persistent requests and official correspondence, the administration acknowledged that firefighting facilities are essential regardless of building type or occupant profile. The delay, however, has left a substantial number of residents exposed to potential fire hazards.
Historical records show that notices had been issued as early as 2020 by the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) of Chandigarh, instructing the Superintendent Housing to seek fire clearance for all flats in the colony. Non-compliance was subject to action under relevant fire safety regulations. Despite these directives, no concrete steps were taken to install the system, leaving responsibility unassigned and residents at risk.
For comparison, similar small flats in Maloya have already received firefighting systems, covering nearly 4,960 units. The discrepancy has drawn attention from both residents and safety experts, emphasizing the need for uniform compliance across all rehabilitation colonies in the city.
The NBC-2016 outlines fire-safety requirements for multi-storey residential buildings, classifying four-storey apartments under Group A/IV. Buildings up to 15 meters in height are required to have fire extinguishers and hose reels on each floor, a two-way fire brigade connection, a terrace water tank of at least 5,000 liters with a pump, and a sprinkler system if basements are present. These measures are designed to ensure early detection, suppression, and safe evacuation in case of a fire incident.
Chandigarh officials have confirmed that following administrative approval, the installation of the firefighting system will be carried out promptly. Discussions are also underway to address the long-term maintenance of the system to ensure operational readiness at all times. The administration has reiterated that protecting human life and ensuring safety compliance remain top priorities, particularly in high-density residential areas such as the Dhanas Rehabilitation Colony.
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