Chandigarh:
The Haryana Human Rights Commission has taken cognizance of the alarming deficiencies in fire safety arrangements across the State and expressed deep concern over the inexcusable five-year delay in procuring critical equipments such as “Hydraulic Platforms” and “Turn Table Ladders”. The Commission has unequivocally stated that such prolonged inaction—particularly in high-rise buildings and densely populated urban areas—represents a direct threat to the lives and safety of ordinary citizens.
In its order passed in SuoMotu Case No. 1000/3/2022, the Commission observed that “Hydraulic Platforms” and “Turn Table Ladders” which serve as critical safety and accessibility mechanisms directly contribute to fire safety, emergency evacuation, and structural functionality in multi-storeyed buildings and public spaces. They provide an independent and mechanically assisted means of escape when conventional staircases or lifts become inaccessible during fire, earthquake or structural hazards while also enabling fire and emergency services to reach higher floors swiftly from the outside. In addition, these systems ensure universal accessibility for the elderly, differently-abled persons and patients, thereby reducing panic, overcrowding and stampede risks during evacuation. Unlike lifts, hydraulic systems can function even during power failures, thereby offering reliable, alternative vertical access in critical situations. Their absence could compromise public safety and hinder disaster preparedness, while their integration ensures compliance with modern building safety standards and urban infrastructure norms.
The Commission examined the provisions of the Haryana Development and Regulation of Urban Areas Act, 1975. The above said Act, deals with grant of licence to any owner desiring to convert his land into a “Colony”. Section 3 of Act, 1975, is specifically meant for application for licence. Clause (e) of Section 2 of Act, 1975, defines “development works” means internal and external development works. Clause (g) of Section 2 of Act, 1975, which defines “external development works” clearly includes work of “Fire Stations” as well. Sub-section (3) of Section 3 of Act, 1975, clearly envisages that applicant who is desirous for grant of licence is required to pay development charges, if the “external development works” as defined in Clause (g) of Section 2 are to be carried out by the Government or any other local authority. Importantly, the definition of “external development works” also contains an enabling clause covering “any other work” necessary for planned and safe urban development. In this scenario, inclusion of “Hydraulic Platforms” and “Turn Table Ladders” aligns with the intent behind incorporating ‘fire stations’ as “external development works” under Section 3 of Act, 1975, as both are essential safety measures designed to protect human life.
In the light of above the Commission has recommended that “Hydraulic Platforms” and “Turn Table Ladders” be formally recognized as part of “external development works” under the Act, 1975. Consequently, the payment/contribution provisions applicable to other “external development works” should extend to these installations, ensuring financial and regulatory recognition. Such inclusion would not only align with the legislative intent of the Act, 1975, to provide comprehensive and safe urban infrastructure but also enhance safety standards, particularly in multi-storey buildings and public structures.
In its order, the Commission referred to the recent major fire tragedy in Hong Kong and cautioned that if such disasters can occur even in developed countries, the risk becomes far more serious in our State in the absence of essential fire-fighting equipments. The Commission made it clear that the Government should not wait for catastrophic incident before taking decisive action.
The Commission strongly reiterates that the Government of Haryana must treat this matter with utmost urgency and seriousness. Any further delay would expose the public to irreparable but avoidable harm. The procurement process should be expedited without procedural dilatory tactics, and that a clear, time-bound action plan be placed before the Commission well before the next date of hearing.
Compliance Reports in this regard have been requisitioned from the Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Haryana, Town & Country Planning, and Urban Estates Department, Chandigarh; Director General, Town and Country Planning Department, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Director General, Fire and Emergency Services, Haryana, Panchkula. Above said authorities have been called upon to present their respective reports remotely via video conference to this Commission on 10.2.2026 so that interaction may be more fruitful.
