The Delhi government has issued a proposal to extend the implementation of Delhi Fire Service (Amendment) Rules, 2025 by three more months, after receiving only few applications from private fire safety auditors, officials said on Sunday.
The proposal will now be sent to lieutenant governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu for approval, an official explained, adding that once approved, a fresh gazette notification will extend the deadline.
“Under the amended rules, the Delhi Fire Service is no longer empowered to inspect buildings and issue or renew fire safety certificates. The Delhi government notified the Delhi Fire Service (Amendment) Rules, 2025, on May 26 this year, introducing a framework where empanelled private auditors would inspect buildings and issue or renew fire safety certificates. The department is only processing applications received until August 24 this year,” a senior fire service official said. The DFS invited applications for empanelment of third-party auditors on July 2.
Officials said the response has been “feeble” despite the department subsequently issuing a public notice encouraging eligible professionals to apply. Officials said one of the reasons for the lack of interest could be the high level of responsibility and potential liability associated with the assignment. They also said experienced architects already possess expertise in building planning, design, construction and statutory compliance, including dealing with fire-related no-objection certificates and occupancy certificates.
