Builders seeking No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the Fire Services Department can no longer approach the officials concerned, as the entire process of applying for the certificate is now online. Applications for the same have to be submitted only at MeeSeva centres.
Since the launch of the online service on May 7, six applications have been received at MeeSeva centres till May 22. “It’s a statutory requirement as per Section 15 of the State Fire Safety Act. The department had integrated data with eSeva and MeeSeva centres before. This system of applying online was in place between 2006 and 2010 and was stopped due to some technical issues,” mentioned Rajiv Ratan, Director General, Disaster Response and Fire Services Department.
After a thorough check, the glitches were not found to be critical, and hence the process was restarted. Now, applications which do not conform to the National Building Code would automatically be rejected by the system, he said. After the applications are processed at MeeSeva centres, they reach the Fire Services Department, from where the buildings would be inspected by officials.
GO 154 invalid nowA senior official from the Fire Services Department explained that GO 154, which was issued in 2006 by the erstwhile government of Andhra Pradesh, was meant to give NOCs only to buildings that existed till 2006. “That GO was the outcome of a case which was filed in the High Court. The final order was to ensure that existing structures had some fire safety measures,” he explained, requesting anonymity.
The official further stated that the Fire Services Department continued using GO 154 to even issue new NOCs to upcoming buildings as well. “However, the usage of the GO for issuing NOCs for new structures has been stopped now, as it is invalid,” he added.
Hassle-free affair
Since the launch of the online service, six applications have been received
Applications which do not conform to the National Building Code will automatically be rejected by the system
Officials will inspect those buildings whose applications are processed at MeeSava centres
