Himachal Pradesh Eases Fire Safety Norms to Boost Tourism

Himachal Pradesh's Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced the easing of fire safety norms for the tourism sector, focusing on facilitating construction plans for hospitality units. The changes aim to address registration issues due to strict compliance, particularly concerning heritage buildings.

Himachal Pradesh is set to ease fire safety norms to facilitate the growth of its tourism industry, the state's Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu revealed in the Vidhan Sabha on Friday. The move aims to streamline approval processes for hospitality units, addressing a persistent issue that has hindered the registration of hotel buildings pending a no objection certificate from the fire department.

The decision emerged after Congress MLA Bhuvneshwar Gaur highlighted the challenges faced by hoteliers in this regard. Chief Minister Sukhu assured the assembly that the necessary policy adjustments would be made to prioritize tourism promotion while ensuring safety standards. He noted that alternative fire safety measures for heritage buildings would be explored, as strict compliance might be challenging.

Further input from legislators like Balbir Singh Verma and Harish Janartha emphasized the need for sufficient space within the Floor Area Ratio for double staircases and the allowance of staircases in setback areas to enhance emergency accessibility. These suggestions underscore the collaborative efforts towards refining safety standards in synchrony with development goals.

(With inputs from agencies.)