Ghaziabad asks all RWAs to appoint 2 firefighters in shifts

Ghaziabad: The district administration has decided to demolish illegal constructions and encroachments inside housing societies, identifying them as potential fire hazards that could obstruct rescue and evacuation efforts during emergencies. It has also directed resident welfare associations (RWAs) to appoint two trained firefighters for every residential society, working in 12-hour shifts.

The decisions were taken at a review meeting convened by district magistrate Ravindra Kumar Mandar following a series of major fire incidents in the district — at least 30 major fires were reported in the city in the last two months, including the April 12 blaze at Gaur Green Avenue in Indirapuram. Officials said the meeting focused on identifying gaps in preparedness and strengthening fire-safety mechanisms across high-rise residential areas.

Chief fire officer Rahul Pal said the responsibility for hiring trained firefighters would rest with RWAs, while the fire department would provide technical support and training.

“We have advised societies to deploy one or two trained personnel round the clock through two 12-hour shifts. Candidates with a diploma or degree in firefighting can be considered. We have also started a three-day capsule training programme at seven fire stations for interested personnel,” Pal said.

According to officials, the trained firefighters will be expected to respond to emergencies in their initial stages and coordinate with security staff until fire services arrive. Societies have also been advised to create dedicated emergency-response teams comprising firefighters and security guards.

The administration has further directed RWAs to regularly inspect and maintain fire-water pipelines and related infrastructure to ensure adequate water supply during emergencies.

Officials said inspections carried out by RWAs and apartment owners’ associations revealed widespread encroachments and unauthorised alterations within residential complexes. In several societies, common areas such as open spaces, utility zones and access routes were found to have been converted for private use. Staircases and evacuation passages were also found blocked by household items in some buildings.

The district magistrate directed the Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) to remove all such encroachments and demolish illegal structures to keep emergency access routes clear.

The administration also flagged concerns over scrap-related businesses operating close to residential neighbourhoods, particularly in Indirapuram and Khoda. Officials said these activities increase fire risks because of the storage of combustible materials near densely populated housing clusters.

Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation has been instructed to shut down scrap operations functioning in populated areas. Future permissions, officials said, will be granted only after approval from the civic body and relocation to designated zones away from residential settlements.

The district administration has also ordered the removal of illegal encroachments and unauthorised settlements in vulnerable areas.

Power infrastructure emerged as another concern during the review. Officials from the electricity department informed the administration that several societies had sought higher sanctioned loads in recent years, particularly during summer months when electricity consumption rises sharply. Authorities also found that some buildings lacked functional fire-safety switches inside lifts.

The district magistrate has directed the electricity department to prepare a list of such societies and seek explanations from RWAs and apartment owners’ associations regarding increased power demand and compliance with fire-safety requirements.

Officials said the measures are aimed at reducing fire risks in high-rise residential areas and improving preparedness as Ghaziabad continues to witness rapid vertical growth.