The Uttar Pradesh Fire and Emergency Services has implemented sweeping reforms since 2017, transitioning from a manual, paper-driven system to a digitized framework aimed at enhancing efficiency and accessibility. The shift to online No-Objection Certificate (NOC) applications and revised safety standards marks a significant departure from previous practices that required physical submissions and prolonged approval timelines.
Prior to 2017, applicants were mandated to visit fire department offices in person, often facing delays due to procedural bottlenecks. The introduction of online NOC processing in 2018 reduced processing time to 15 working days, with objections communicated within seven days of application submission. This digitization initiative was followed by the Uttar Pradesh Fire and Emergency Services Act-2022, which expanded the department's operational capacity in emergency response. Further refinements came in 2024 with updated rules addressing longstanding compliance challenges.
The revised framework replaces rigid structural requirements with pragmatic solutions, particularly benefiting older constructions and space-constrained projects.
Key changes under 2024 fire safety rules
Setback Norms: NOC clearance now prioritizes functional access for fire tenders over fixed open-space measurements.
Staircase Design: Width requirements are now determined by occupant load calculations rather than fixed dimensions.
Access Roads: Minimum width standards align with fire vehicle specifications, accommodating narrow urban lanes.
Water Storage: Combined capacity of overhead and underground tanks fulfills requirements, offering flexibility in implementation.
ADG Fire Services Padmaja Chauhan emphasized that these measures balance safety with practicality, particularly for low-rise buildings and heritage structures. The department's integration with the state's Single Window Portal in 2023 has further streamlined approvals for industrial and commercial establishments.
With pending proposals for organizational restructuring and manpower augmentation, the reforms signal the state's commitment to modernizing emergency response systems while improving its Ease of Living and Doing Business rankings. The transition reflects a broader administrative shift toward digitized governance and user-centric policy design in Uttar Pradesh.
