21 people lost their lives in a sudden fire in a restaurant in Malviya Nagar area of New Delhi. Many people are fighting for life in hospitals. Actually, a lodge also used to run on the upper floor of this restaurant. Everyone is worried after the accident. Investigation efforts are also visible. Even the Lieutenant Governor has held a meeting and given appropriate instructions. But, the question has again arisen that why was there only one exit in a house with several floors and dozens of rooms? Who is responsible for this? Come, in the context of the tragic accident in Malviya Nagar, let us know how to get NOC from the fire department in the country? After fulfilling which conditions do individuals or institutions get permission?
Be it Malviya Nagar of Delhi or any busy area of Mumbai. Whenever there is news of a fire somewhere, a question arises. Were there all arrangements for fire safety in the building and shop? Was NOC taken from the fire department? That means the fire department had consent for the use of the space. Actually, this matter is more related to one’s own awareness than the fire department. If people are aware then accidents will be less. It is more important for us to be aware than paper NOC. Do not take all the necessary fire safety measures only on paper but also do them in reality. Keep getting them checked from time to time.
Why is NOC necessary?
NOC means No Objection Certificate, it is not just a piece of paper. This is a way to reduce the fire risk in your place. This is a topic related to saving people’s lives. In many places, without NOC, there is a problem in getting license, trade permit, OC or insurance. In some cases, there may be sealing and fine also.
Malviya Nagar fire incident
Who do the rules apply to in Delhi and Mumbai?
Every small house does not always come under the purview of NOC, but in many places it becomes necessary.This includes malls, showrooms, hotels, restaurants, banks, offices, schools, coaching, hostels, hospitals, clinics, factories, warehouses, workshops, societies, high-rise buildings, basement premises, cinemas, halls, event venues etc. Some rules may differ in different states and cities but the objective is the safety of the general public. For this, the rules and regulations of the local fire department apply.
Types of NOC: Pre and Final
Often NOC is given in two stages.
- Provisional/Fire Clearance: It is found at the planning stage of the new building. Meaning the fire arrangement looks correct in the plan.
- NOC before final/occupancy: It is available when the work on the site is completed. Then the fire department investigates on the spot. There is a rule to give NOC if everything is found correct.
Photo of the incident site. Photo: PTI
What to decide first?
Clear some things before applying. What is your use of space? What is the height and area of the building? Is there a basement or not? What is the estimated number of people going to be there? On the basis of these things, it is decided which fire systems are to be installed.
What is the general procedure to get NOC?
The process may vary slightly depending on the city. But, the steps are almost the same. Be it Delhi, Mumbai or any other city.
1- Making drawings and fire plans: Get a building plan prepared from an architect or engineer. Where necessary, get a fire layout made by a fire consultant. Exits, stairs, hydrants, sprinklers, alarms, everything is visible in it.
2- Submission of Application: One has to apply for the fire department online or offline, whichever system is applicable. Fees are also charged in many places. You get a reference number, based on which it is easy to track further.
3- Checking of Documents and Drawings: The fire department looks at the plan. If there are shortcomings, he objects. Then the system of correction and re-submission is applicable.
4- Site Inspection: The inspection team arrives at the spot. This team sees whether all the equipment is installed as per the plan or not? They also conduct tests. There is a system of checking several times by running the pump, sounding the alarm, and checking the sprinkler line pressure.
5- Will NOC be issued or rejected: If everything is found correct then NOC is obtained. If there are deficiencies, a report is received. Then there is a system of re-inspection after making improvements.
Photo of the incident site. Photo: PTI
Which documents are required?
The list may change according to the city and case. But, generally the following documents are asked. Ownership, Lease or Authority Letter
- Site Plan and Building Plan
- Use details i.e. for what purpose the place is reserved.
- Completion or occupancy papers
- Fire system details and specifications
- Layout of pumps, tanks, pipe-lines
- Report related to electrical safety, earthing
- Details of service areas like lift, DG, kitchen, where applicable
- In many cases, maintenance or annual maintenance papers
What are the main conditions of Fire NOC?
- Safe Exit: There should be adequate vents. The exit route should remain open. Doors open outwards. Goods should not be kept on the way.
- Stairs and Fire Escapes: The width of the stairs should be as per the standard. There should not be storage in the stairs. Fire doors and door-closers are necessary in many places.
- Fire Alarm and Detection: Smoke and heat detectors should be installed at necessary places. Manual call point and horn system should be installed. The panel works.
- Sprinkler, Hydrant, Hose Reel: Where necessary, the sprinkler network is at the correct pressure. Hydrants, hose reels easily accessible. Nozzle, hose pipe, valve should be in proper condition.
- Water System and Pump: Underground and overhead fire tanks should be of prescribed capacity. Testing of main pump, jockey pump and standby pump should be done. Access should be maintained in the pump room.
- Emergency lights and sign boards: Emergency lights come on when power goes out. Exit signs should be clearly visible. The path should be clearly understood.
- Basement and Parking Rules: Ventilation and smoke management may be necessary in basements. Misusing the basement is a big mistake. There should be no flammable storage in the parking area.
- Kitchen, Gas and Restaurant Safety: Cleaning of ducts and chimneys in commercial kitchens should be regular. LPG bank should be at a safe place and at a standard distance. Fire extinguishers should be of correct type. They should be checked regularly.
At least 10 people were killed after a major fire broke out at a restaurant in Malviya Nagar, New Delhi, India.- Officials say. pic.twitter.com/LyeUUb1S1a
— Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) June 3, 2026
Most common mistakes due to which NOC gets stuck
There is a provision of non-grant of NOC for non-maintenance of AMC and maintenance records as shown in the map but equipment shown in the map but not installed at the site.
Responsibility does not end after getting NOC
Getting NOC is the beginning. The real work is daily maintenance. Do basic test every month. Get professional servicing done every quarter, half year. Keep records in writing. If the staff changes, get the training done again. In many places NOC has a validity period. In such a situation, timely renewal may also be necessary.
Be it Malviya Nagar or any other locality or city. The pattern in accidents appears to be the same. Crowded, narrow streets, closed exits, and poor maintenance. Sometimes even small short circuits cause big damage. Therefore, along with paper compliance, compliance on the ground is also necessary. NOC is a tool for that.
Consider NOC as a security, not a burden.
Be it Delhi or Mumbai, the aim of NOC is to get people out safely. And the fire has to be stopped at the initial stage itself. The sooner you plan and install the system, the less it will cost. And the risk also decreases.
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