The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is seems helpless in implementing its Building Standards for Fire Preventions and Life Safety (BSFPLS) 2010 in the city, as most of the owners of high-rise buildings do not bother to follow it.
“The authority had devised the BSFPLS to mitigate the effect of various kinds of emergencies including fire, earthquake and other incidents in the metropolis but, unfortunately, the management of high-rise buildings in the city openly violate it like other building byelaws of the civic body due to negligence of the authority’s concerned directorate,” an official said.
The official said, “BSFPLS is prepared by the Directorate of Emergency and Disaster Management. After getting approval from the CDA’s board, the concerned directorate sent it to the Cabinet Division for final approval. The Cabinet Division also sanctioned it,” he added.
He said the government had also published BSFPLS in the Official Gazette of Pakistan. Under the regulations, the authority’s concerned directorate had been empowered to conduct survey of both public and private buildings and ensure precautionary measures in them.
“After completion of the inspection of a building or premises, CDA will issue notice to the owner or occupier directing him to undertake such measures as may be specified in the notice,” he said.
The official said under the regulations, all existing buildings constructed before the promulgation of the regulations were bound to take measures and install all required equipments within six months. If the building owners or occupier failed to comply with these regulations, the CDA would either vacate or seal these buildings or impose fine up to Rs 500,000, he added.
He said in case of construction of new buildings, clearance in regard to fire prevention and life safety measures shall be required from the Directorate of Emergency and Disaster Management, both at the time of approval of building plan as well as issuance of completion certificate by the authority. “The Building Standards have been divided into three clauses: fire prevention, life safety and fire protection, he said. The official said in spite of existence of these laws, the civic body yet not properly implement which was one of the main reason of rising lose of property and human lives in various incident in the city.
“The CDA only issued notices or guidelines to few building but do not bother to take action against those who do not followed their guidelines or yet not make arrangements which is necessary according to the BSFPLS.”
