Yogi govt modernizes Fire Department: Online NOC and simplified rules bring major relief to citizens

Lucknow : Over the past eight years, the Yogi government has consistently prioritized the convenience of the common citizen. As a result, every sector in Uttar Pradesh has witnessed rapid and positive transformation. Among these, fire services have seen a complete overhaul, gaining a new identity and direction under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Acting on the CM’s instructions, the fire department has been modernized, digitized, and its standards simplified to ensure citizens no longer face hardships in accessing fire-related services. The government has made the entire NOC process online, introduced practical fire safety norms for low-rise buildings, and implemented simplified structural standards, strengthening Ease of Doing Business across the state.

ADG Fire Services, Padmaja Chauhan, noted that CM Yogi has reformed every area of governance, with fire services now aligned with the goals of transparency, efficiency, and public interest. She said, “Before 2017, obtaining a Fire NOC was a time-consuming and non-transparent process, often forcing applicants to visit the department repeatedly. In 2018, CM Yogi made the Fire NOC process fully online for the first time in the state, enabling citizens to apply from home. A 15-day time limit was set for issuing the NOC, with applicants informed of any objections within a week.”

In 2022, practical standards were introduced for low-rise buildings. The Uttar Pradesh Fire and Emergency Services Act-2022 empowered the department to deliver more effective emergency services. In 2023, a Single Window Portal simplified the online NOC application process, significantly easing procedures for industries and entrepreneurs. In 2024, the Uttar Pradesh Fire and Emergency Services Rules-2024 resolved long-standing issues by replacing rigid, outdated provisions with practical solutions.

Major Problems Solved by Fire and Emergency Services Rules-2024

Setback Clarification: Discrepancies between fire safety and building authority setback rules have been eliminated. Now, NOC is issued based on “access to building”, ensuring smooth fire vehicle entry, removing the need for measuring open spaces around structures.

Rational Staircase Width Requirement: Earlier, NOCs were withheld due to rigid stair width norms. An occupant load-based system now allows for flexibility, considering total stair volume and practicality.

Access Road Width Adjustment: Standards have been made practical by defining road width requirements based on the minimum necessary width for fire tenders, enabling compliance even in older, narrower city areas.

Water Tank Flexibility: Applicants can now fulfill water storage requirements through overhead or underground tanks, as long as the total volume is met, addressing space constraints.

Thanks to these reforms, the fire department has evolved from a conventional emergency unit to a symbol of good governance, enhanced civic services, and technological progress. Under CM Yogi’s leadership, this transformation has reinforced public trust, improved service delivery, and significantly advanced Uttar Pradesh’s position in Ease of Living and Ease of Doing Business.

To further enhance emergency response and ensure public safety, the Yogi government is also working towards departmental restructuring and the creation of new posts, strengthening the department’s manpower and operational efficiency.