Karkardooma, Dwarka courts denied fire safety clearance over unresolved deficiencies
Karkardooma Dwarka Courts Denied Fire Safety Clearance
Bharatmorningnews.com – Fire safety clearances for the Karkardooma Dwarka courts have been denied following comprehensive inspections by the Delhi Fire Service (DFS). Officials confirmed on Wednesday that multiple unresolved deficiencies—including non-functional fire alarm systems, blocked exits, inadequate smoke-management arrangements, and damaged firefighting equipment—led to the decision.
Dwarka Court Complex: Persistent Deficiencies
At the Dwarka court complex, inspectors flagged several critical issues including road encroachments, missing door closers, damaged fire doors, and alterations that blocked alternate exits. The DFS noted that several shortcomings identified during an earlier inspection in March remained unrectified even after a subsequent inspection in July.
In a letter dated July 31, 2026, the department stated that renewal of the fire safety certificate "cannot be considered at this stage" and directed authorities to address all deficiencies. The complex, located in Sector 10, was initially inspected on March 20 in the presence of PWD officials. The fire service's March 30 report listed 14 shortcomings, and a follow-up inspection on July 14 confirmed these had not been fully addressed.
Among the most significant issues, the six-metre-wide motorable road around the building was found encroached or blocked. Door closers for fire-check doors in all three buildings were missing in several places, while some fire doors showed damage. Major additions on the second floor of the lawyers' block had blocked an alternate exit, and some basement stairs were found closed.
Karkardooma Courts: Audit Reveals 12 Shortcomings
At Karkardooma Courts, a fire safety audit conducted on July 18 identified 12 shortcomings across Blocks A, C, I, D, E, F, G, and H. The inspection, carried out in the presence of PWD officials, revealed that an additional first-aid hose reel was required in the judges' chambers corridor.
Inspectors noted that no smoke-management system or fire-check doors had been provided in the basement, and an alternate exit was obstructed. The staircase serving the basement was not segregated on the ground floor, while the manual-operated electric fire alarm (MOEFA) system was found non-functional. Combustible material was also discovered stored in the basement, which lacked a proper firefighting system.
Further issues included a damaged overhead tank with a 20,000-litre capacity and a non-functional 900-lpm terrace pump. Exit signage had not been installed throughout the building. While fire-safety installation work was underway in Blocks D, E, F, G, and H, it remained incomplete at the time of inspection.
"The manual-operated electric fire alarm system was found non-functional in two blocks, while openable windows had been replaced with fixed windows in some stores and areas of the lawyers' and administration blocks. Terrace pumps had also been removed in the lawyers' block," an official stated.
The DFS report also directed that smoke-exhaust systems be kept in auto mode and interlinked with the MOEFA system and detectors. Damaged or leaking ducts needed repair or replacement, and pressurisation systems in shafts were found non-functional and required to be switched to auto mode.
Additional technical requirements included extending the sprinkler system in the lawyers' and administration blocks, ensuring hose-reel lengths reached 30 metres to cover entire floors, and extending a sprinkler nozzle in the seventh-floor conference hall below the false ceiling.
Next Steps and Responsibilities
The findings have been formally communicated to court authorities, with clear directions to rectify all deficiencies before fire safety clearance can be reconsidered. When questioned about the matter, court officials clarified that the Public Works Department (PWD) holds responsibility for premises maintenance.
A PWD official confirmed: "Routine maintenance exercise is carried out. However any deficiencies will be looked into and rectified at the earliest."
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were Karkardooma Dwarka courts denied fire safety clearance?
The courts were denied clearance due to multiple unresolved deficiencies identified during DFS inspections, including non-functional fire alarms, blocked exits, damaged equipment, and inadequate smoke-management systems.
What is the timeline for rectifying the deficiencies?
While no specific deadline was mentioned, the PWD has committed to addressing all deficiencies at the earliest possible time to enable renewal of the fire safety certificate.
Which department is responsible for fixing the issues?
The Public Works Department (PWD) is responsible for the maintenance and rectification of all identified deficiencies at both court complexes.
When were the original inspections conducted?
At Dwarka, the initial inspection was on March 20, with a follow-up on July 14. At Karkardooma, the audit was conducted on July 18.