New Delhi: The Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India (ADSI) reports maintained by National Crime Records Bureau show that fire accidents in India have, on average, killed 35 people a day in the five years between 2016 and 2020. Even though accidental fires have reduced by 44 per cent between 2016 and 2020, the death tolls continue to be high in addition to the financial burden and environmental impacts of such accidents. Further, media reports indicate that more than 120 Indians have died in hospital fires since August 2020.
In this context, several experts from various fields came together to discuss possible solutions. The expert consultation is a part of a series of round table tilted, ‘Road to Fire Prevention & Life Safety in India: Understanding existing gaps in policy and the way forward’ conducted by Fire Safe India Foundation (FSIF), a non-profit organization working towards raising awareness about fire safety in India and APCO Worldwide, a global public affairs and strategic communications consultancy.
The consultation session was addressed by leading voices across sectors including Mr. M.V. Deshmukh Chairman, FSIF and Former Director & Fire Advisor, Govt. of Maharashtra, Mr. M.N. Sarma Secretary General, General Insurance Council, Dr. K.C. Wadhwa Additional Director, DRDO, Mr. Hemant Sali, Technical Consultant and Former Executive Engineer, Public Works, Department, Government of Maharashtra, Mr. Sumit Khanna Chief Underwriter, FM Global, Mr. Abhijit Deshmukh Legal Expert, Mr. Makarand Soundalgekar, Consultant, Facilitator/Trainer Project Management, Business Excellence, Behavioral programs. The speakers discussed about existing policy gaps, legislative, academic reforms and solutions that will ensure a fire safe India.
“At this juncture, fire is a state subject in India. We need legislative reforms to ensure this subject gets a central legislation. The current bills are recommendatory and not mandatory for implementation. Hence, a constitutional amendment is needed,” said, Mr. Mr. M.V. Deshmukh Chairman, FSIF and Former Director & Fire Advisor, Govt. of Maharashtra speaking about the status of fire safety in India.