BIS Technical Committee Insists on Keeping Fire Safety in National Building Code
In a significant move, a technical committee from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has firmly pushed back against a suggestion from the Cabinet Secretariat's deregulation cell. The committee has stressed that vital fire safety rules must remain an integral part of the National Building Code (NBC). This decision comes after recent, tragic building fires reported in areas like Delhi, Odisha, and Goa, highlighting the critical need for robust safety measures.
Why Fire Safety is Non-Negotiable
The Cabinet Secretariat's deregulation cell had proposed a major shift: making sections of the NBC, including the fire safety part, into separate "handbooks" rather than mandatory code. Their aim was to allow state governments and local municipal bodies to set these norms, arguing they are competent to do so as part of a broader deregulation push.
However, the BIS technical committee, during its most recent meeting, strongly recommended that the "Fire and Life Safety" section should stay within the main NBC, which is currently undergoing revision. The committee's minutes clearly state:
- Recent events, both in India and globally, prove that fire safety is a paramount concern.
- Buildings that are not properly planned, designed, or maintained can quickly become "death traps."
- Every human life is precious, making it essential to address fire safety meticulously within the Code itself.
The panel further advised that these crucial guidelines should be part of the core building code, not merely a separate, optional handbook.
Other Building Norms Accepted for Review
While standing firm on fire safety, the BIS committee did agree to several other suggestions put forth by the deregulation cell. These include more than a dozen recommendations aimed at streamlining building regulations. Key changes accepted include:
- Removing provisions related to administrative procedures.
- Excluding certain development control norms from the NBC.
- Introducing the concept of dividing cities into distinct "fire zones."
- Removing specific height restrictions for buildings.
- Relaxing the requirement for sprinkler systems in low-hazard and small-scale industries.
A committee member confirmed, "The committee has agreed to modify provisions where suggestions hold merit. But any weakening of fire safety norms for public well-being must be avoided."
Previous Regulatory Directives and Expert Concerns
This isn't the first time the Cabinet Secretariat's deregulation cell has directly instructed BIS to alter standards. Previously, the body was asked to immediately withdraw a notification related to a revised seismic code. This pattern of direct intervention has raised eyebrows among some experts.
Committee members also noted that after over two years of dedicated work by experts on the draft NBC 2025, the deregulation cell sent a letter to all states. This letter, dated June 25, 2025, clarified that the NBC is a "voluntary code for reference" and not legally binding. It emphasized that land and building matters, including norms for Floor Area Ratio (FAR), setbacks, parking, and fire regulations, fall under the exclusive legislative power of individual states.
However, industry professionals like Ajit Kumar S M, president of the Karnataka Professional Civil Engineers Act - Steering Consortium, argue that even if voluntary, the Code is valuable. "The Code can exist, and states can fine-tune it," he stated. "The government should not override a technical committee of experts established by a statutory body."
The Importance of Unified Safety Standards
This ongoing discussion highlights the tension between national standardization and state autonomy in building regulations. While states have jurisdiction, experts believe a unified, strong National Building Code, especially concerning life safety aspects like fire prevention, is crucial for protecting citizens across the country. The BIS committee's firm stance underscores the paramount importance of not compromising on fundamental safety standards.
