Fire Safety in Indian Real Estate: A Growing Concern
While the Indian real estate industry experiences significant growth fueled by foreign investment, the crucial aspect of fire safety hasn't received the attention it deserves. However, there's a growing optimism that this is gradually changing.
As M.C. Muthanna, Chief Operating Officer of Firepro Systems, points out, "India is a reasonably domestic consumption driven market. Gradually as awareness is setting in, people are realizing that fire safety actually touches all segments. Builders are moving beyond statutory needs, so also the consumers, who want more safety features”. The fundamental need to protect one's family and property, regardless of its value, remains constant. Whether a property is valued at Rs 5,000 or Rs 50,000, the desire to safeguard it persists.
Comparing Global and Indian Practices
Generally, when it comes to providing basic fire safety systems, the Indian real estate sector is comparable to that of developed nations. The primary difference lies in the level of investment. In commercial buildings, sophisticated systems such as addressable fire detection protocols and automatic gas suppression technologies are being employed to protect office spaces. However, when it comes to residential apartments, the expenditure on life safety installations remains relatively low, and the equipment in use is often basic.
Fire Protection and Suppression Options
Options for fire protection and suppression, in both residential and commercial properties, are diverse yet fundamentally important. In commercial properties, hydrants and hose reels serve the entire building, while addressable fire alarm networks and sprinkler configurations are common in office environments.
Data center rooms or control rooms occupied by personnel utilize clean agent gas suppression systems. Since water cannot be used for fire protection in these areas, inert gases are employed to prevent data loss or hardware damage.
Fire protection and suppression infrastructure in commercial areas are implemented in retail malls, airports, cinema theatres and multiplexes, auditoriums, convention centers, convenience stores, storage warehouses, hotels, and restaurants, significantly mitigating potential loss of life and property.