(MOREPIC1)Face2News/Chandigarh
The Punjab Government has taken a major step toward modernizing fire safety services and streamlining the ease of doing business for industries in the state. To support this initiative, the Punjab Fire and Emergency Services Act, 2024 has been implemented for industries and the general public. A key amendment now allows industrial buildings with heights up to 21 meters, up from the previous limit of 18 meters.
Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, Industry Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond announced that a notification issued on June 27 by the Directorate of Punjab Fire and Emergency Services (under the Local Government Department) introduces several reforms to benefit the industrial sector. One major change includes extending the validity of Fire Safety No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from 1 year to 3 or 5 years, based on the risk classification of the industry. He said that Industries have been classified into three risk categories – light hazard industries: NOC valid for 5 years, moderate hazard industries: NOC valid for 3 years and high-hazard industries: Annual NOC still required.
The Minister highlighted that this move will reduce bureaucratic hurdles and makes it easier for entrepreneurs to focus on their businesses rather than repeated paperwork. He further informed that 43 industries fall under the light hazard category, 63 under moderate hazard, and 39 under high- hazard.
