Delhi fire service withholds safety clearance for LNJP Hospital blocks

Following an inspection, the Delhi Fire Service (DFS) has refused to renew the fire safety clearance for multiple blocks of Lok Nayak Hospital (LNJP) after uncovering serious lapses, including non-functional fire safety systems, missing fire check doors, damaged hydrants and inadequate access for fire tenders.

According to an official document, fire officials inspected the surgical, casualty, OPD, and orthopedic blocks on November 6 and 10 in the presence of officers from the departments concerned.

During the visits, at least 15 major shortcomings were recorded, putting one of the city’s largest government hospitals at potential risk.

The safety lapses included the absence of a 6-metre-wide road with a 9-metre turning radius required for fire tender movement. The basement lifts are not enclosed with designated lift lobbies; although smoke detectors have been installed, they were found non-functional.

The report also noted that no pressurisation system was provided for lift shafts, lobbies, and staircases, and the automatic sprinkler system was either not working or missing in several areas, including above false ceilings.

Key fire-fighting systems, including manually operated electrical fire alarms, the smoke management system, hose reels, internal hydrants and the fire control room panel, were found non-functional. Hydrants in the hospital yard were also damaged at multiple points.

“In the absence of the required fire safety arrangements, occupation of the building shall be at the risk and liability of the owner, occupier,” the document stated.

The fire safety certificate will remain withheld until all deficiencies are rectified and the hospital complies with required standards.