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| HC puts J&K fire safety preparedness under scanner, seeks station-wise data | | | Early Times Report
JAMMU, Oct 29: Expressing concern over allegations regarding the non-implementation of firefighting policies in Jammu and Kashmir, the High Court has directed the Union Territory administration to furnish comprehensive details of existing fire stations, prescribed requirements and the classification of areas according to fire-risk vulnerability.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Dr. Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Yash Paul Bourney issued the directions while hearing a Public Interest Litigation highlighting alleged deficiencies in firefighting preparedness across the Union Territory.
The court sought a consolidated category-wise statement supported by an affidavit, enabling judicial examination of whether the existing firefighting infrastructure corresponds to the standards prescribed under the applicable policy.
The directions were issued in WP(C) PIL No. 13/2024 filed by Advocate Mohd Rahoof Khan, who appeared in person.
The petitioner submitted that the alleged failure to implement the firefighting policy had exposed the general public to serious risks, particularly in areas where emergency response facilities were inadequate.
Senior Additional Advocate General Monika Kohli, appearing for the administration, referred to the guidelines framed by the Standing Fire Advisory Council under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
According to the policy parameters placed before the court, the establishment of fire stations depends on factors including population, geographical conditions, fire-risk vulnerability and response time from the nearest firefighting establishment.
The guidelines classify areas into four categories: high-risk, medium-risk, low-risk and rural or comparatively low-risk zones.
The court was informed that the suggested response time for firefighting services is three minutes in high-risk areas, five minutes in medium- and low-risk urban areas and 20 minutes in rural areas.
The guidelines also recommend a fire station for approximately every 10 square kilometres in urban areas and 50 square kilometres in rural areas, subject to local risk conditions.
After examining the submissions, the Division Bench sought specific information about the number of areas falling under each risk classification across Jammu and Kashmir. The court also directed the administration to disclose how many fire stations or firefighting establishments are required under the prescribed standards and how many are actually functioning in each category.
The Bench directed Senior AAG Monika Kohli to place a consolidated chart on record, duly supported by an affidavit, covering all four categories.
The information is expected to enable the court to assess the existing firefighting network against the policy requirements and examine the issues raised in the PIL.
The matter has been listed for further consideration on November 17, 2026. (JNF) |
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