New Delhi: Following the fatal fire in a Dwarka society that claimed three lives on Tuesday, resident welfare associations of various cooperative group housing societies (CGHS) across the area have started reassessing fire safety measures and urging residents to take precautions. Within hours of the tragedy, advisories were circulated in neighbouring societies, stressing the need for caution regarding electrical appliances, functional firefighting systems and greater personal awareness.Former Navy captain Krishan Kumar, president of Defence Officers Apartments in Sector 4, issued an advisory in his society around 11.30am, shortly after the news broke. “We’ve asked residents to use airconditioners judiciously and avoid overloading electrical circuits. Many homes have three-four ACs running at once. There’s a real need to give the system breaks to reduce the risk of short-circuits,” he said, adding that all electrical and fire equipment should be used carefully, monitored regularly and fire drills conducted periodically.Madhu Kumar, president of Prabha Apartments in Sector 23, said the society recently had a narrow escape. “Last week, there was a short-circuit in the main electricity meter, sparking a fire. Before the fire brigade arrived, our guards, residents and managers put it out using 22 fire extinguishers. It showed how crucial it is to have functioning safety equipment.” Kumar also stressed the need for awareness and preparedness. “It’s not just about having extinguishers, people need to know how to use them. We’re planning a mock drill this weekend.”In Sector 22, Col NS Parmar (retd), president of Nav Sansad Vihar CGHS, said a detailed advisory was circulated on Tuesday itself. “We’ve asked residents not to block balconies with permanent grills or glass panes, to keep fire hose shafts clear of furniture or plants, and to regularly service electrical gadgets. We also reminded residents to avoid using commercial-grade appliances like industrial ROs at home.” Several RWAs also pointed to persistent issues ranging from poor compliance with fire norms to residents not paying monthly maintenance. Sudha Sinha, former president of Federation Of CGHS Dwarka, said that even approaching the registrar of cooperative societies didn’t help. “Expelling members who don’t pay at all takes years. Meanwhile, safety suffers,” she said, calling for urgent reforms both within the societies and of the regulatory systems.“Even when critical systems like fire safety equipment need urgent upkeep, we can do little if funds aren’t available.” Vivek Kumar, secretary of non-highrise Shree Radha CGHS in Sector 9, said, “We’ve advised residents to be cautious.”
