Mamata Govt forms high-level committees for fire safety across state

In a decisive move following a spate of devastating fire incidents across the state, the Government of West Bengal has established high-level committees to bolster fire safety and ensure regulatory compliance. Memo No. 42-CS/2025, issued on May 22, 2025, by the Office of the Chief Secretary, outlines the formation of both State-Level and District-Level Committees for Fire Safety and Regulatory Compliance. This initiative comes in the wake of tragic losses of life and significant property damage incurred in recent fires in various buildings, factories, and hotels.

The government acknowledges the urgent need to assess existing safety systems and infrastructure comprehensively. The new committees are tasked with identifying any violations of prevailing statutory norms and regulations, aiming to prevent future calamities. This proactive approach underscores the state's commitment to safeguarding its citizens and their assets from fire hazards.

The State-Level Committee, which will also oversee the Kolkata Municipal Corporation area, boasts a formidable composition. It is chaired by the Mayor, Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), and Minister-in-Charge, Urban Development & Municipal Affairs Department. Other key members include the Ministers of Housing, Disaster Management and Civil Defence, Panchayat and Rural Development, and Fire & Emergency Services. Senior administrative figures like the Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department, Principal Secretaries of various departments, and the Director General, West Bengal Fire & Emergency Services, are also part of this crucial committee. The Municipal Commissioner, Kolkata Municipal Corporation, will serve as the Member Convenor.

Similarly, District-Level Committees have been constituted to ensure thorough oversight at the local level. These committees will be chaired by District Magistrates, with participation from CPs/SPs of respective Police Commissionerates/Police Districts, Divisional Officers of Fire & Emergency Services, Mayors of Municipal Corporations, and Chairpersons of Municipalities, among others. The Additional District Magistrate in charge of Fire will act as the Member Convenor for these district-level bodies. Both committee structures allow for the co-option or invitation of other officials as necessary to facilitate their operations.

The terms of reference for the State-Level Committee are extensive, focusing on designing robust inspection methodologies, evaluating structural deviations from approved plans, and examining licensing systems. Crucially, it will assess fire safety infrastructure, operational efficacy of emergency response systems, and formulate standard guidelines for public safety, covering aspects such as fire safety in slum areas, coordination between departments, proper storage of inflammable materials, and preventing misuse of rooftops. This committee is mandated to submit its report with findings and recommendations to the State Government within thirty days.

District-Level Committees, on the other hand, are tasked with conducting thorough fire safety inspections and audits at their respective levels, identifying structural deviations, and assessing compliance with fire safety norms. They are also responsible for taking appropriate action based on the recommendations of the State Level Committee. These district committees will provide Action Taken Reports to the State Government monthly, ensuring continuous monitoring and implementation of safety measures.