Social Activist Khurshid Ahmad Siddiqui Writes to Uttarakhand CM Dhami, Calls for Urgent Fire Safety Measures

Demands survey of unauthorized multi-storey buildings and strict enforcement of fire and structural safety norms across the state

Report: Amaanullah Usmani

Dehradun: Prominent social activist Khurshid Ahmad Siddiqui has written a letter to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, expressing serious concern over the growing number of unauthorized multi-storey buildings and the lack of adequate fire safety measures in the state. Referring to the recent tragic fire incident in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar, he warned that Uttarakhand could face a similar disaster if timely preventive measures are not taken.

In his letter, Siddiqui stated that rapid and unbalanced urban development in Dehradun and other parts of Uttarakhand has led to a sharp increase in the construction of multi-storey buildings. Many of these structures, he noted, are built without adhering to approved plans and fail to obtain mandatory Completion Certificates and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the concerned authorities.

He emphasized that several such buildings lack essential fire-fighting systems, emergency exits, water storage facilities, and other critical safety arrangements. In the event of a short circuit, fire outbreak, or an earthquake measuring 6.0 or above on the Richter scale, these buildings could become death traps, resulting in enormous loss of life and property.

Siddiqui also questioned the functioning of regulatory authorities, alleging that there is little monitoring to ensure whether buildings are constructed according to approved designs and whether mandatory safety clearances have been obtained after completion.

The social activist urged the Chief Minister to order a comprehensive survey of all unauthorized and multi-storey buildings across Uttarakhand, particularly in Dehradun. He called upon the Mussoorie-Dehradun Development Authority and other concerned agencies to verify the structural integrity, fire safety systems, and compliance with prescribed safety standards of such buildings.

Referring to previous fire incidents in Tyuni, Purola, and several hill regions of Uttarakhand, where entire rows of houses were reduced to ashes, Siddiqui said these incidents serve as a stark reminder of the state’s vulnerability. He stressed that proactive measures are necessary to prevent future tragedies.

Concluding his appeal, Khurshid Ahmad Siddiqui stated that public safety must be treated as a top priority and that any delay in implementing corrective measures could expose innocent citizens to grave risks. He urged the government to take immediate and effective action before a major disaster strikes.