Telangana eases Fire NOC rules for older schools and colleges — what changes and what stays
The Telangana Fire, Disaster Response, Emergency and Civil Defence Department has simplified the process of issuing Fire No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to existing schools and junior and intermediate colleges, easing some infrastructure requirements that older buildings have found difficult to meet while retaining essential fire safety conditions.
The revised guidelines, announced by Director General of Fire Services Vikram Singh Mann, will apply to NOC applications received on or after November 10.
Under the changed provisions, educational institutions can retain the open spaces already available on their premises without being required to create additional open space. Where existing setbacks fall short, institutions must install water curtains on the affected sides that do not have an adjoining road, as a compensatory measure to prevent fire from spreading from neighbouring properties. A four-way fire brigade inlet must also be provided.
The guidelines also clarify the requirements for a second staircase in existing educational buildings, taking into account the building's height and configuration rather than applying a single standard to all structures.
The department has prescribed fire safety measures according to building category. These include fire extinguishers, modular sprinklers in applicable chemical laboratories and in computer laboratories or server rooms, first-aid hose reels, manually operated electronic fire alarm systems, downcomers, and overhead firefighting water storage tanks and pumps, wherever applicable.
Institutions must also ensure that staircases, corridors, exits and escape routes remain unobstructed. Exit doors must open in the direction of escape, and emergency lighting with illuminated or auto-glow exit signage must be provided. Firefighting water reserves have to be maintained, and evacuation plans, emergency contact numbers and fire safety instructions displayed at prominent locations.
Schools and colleges are required to form School Safety Advisory Committees and School Fire Task Forces, conduct staff training and student awareness programmes, maintain fire safety manuals and emergency response plans, and ensure electrical safety and regular maintenance of equipment.
The revised guidelines do not affect the existing self-certification mechanism available under relevant government orders, and institutions can continue to use it subject to the applicable conditions.
Occupancy NOCs issued under the revised provisions will be valid for three years. Institutions must apply for renewal two months before expiry, following the prescribed procedure and paying the applicable fee.
The department said the changes followed representations from school and college management associations and discussions with stakeholders held on September 8. The revised framework seeks to address the difficulties faced by older buildings, particularly in meeting prescribed open-space and additional staircase requirements, without compromising fire and life safety.
Fire safety in educational institutions is governed by state fire rules and building standards that set out requirements for open space, staircases, alarms and water storage. Authorities have maintained that exemptions for older buildings are balanced by compensatory measures such as water curtains, inlets and clear escape routes, so that life safety standards are not diluted.
