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The Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh (MCC) will increase fire safety certificate charges by 10% from April 1, 2025, citing rising operational costs and the need for improved infrastructure. Fees will range from INR 6,615 to INR 14 per sq. meter, affecting commercial, educational, healthcare, industrial, and high-risk buildings, while smaller residential units remain exempt. Businesses express concerns over financial strain, while fire safety experts stress the need for stricter compliance amid increasing fire incidents. MCC plans to use the additional revenue to modernize fire stations, hire firefighters, and introduce an online portal for certificate applications, ensuring efficient enforcement.
The Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh (MCC) has announced a 10% hike in fire safety certificate charges, effective from April 1, 2025. The revised rates, applicable across various building categories, aim to strengthen the city's fire safety measures while also generating additional revenue for the financially struggling civic body. Advertisement
The increase comes under the guidelines of the National Building Code (NBC) 2016, which mandates fire safety compliance for buildings. The new charges range from INR 6,615 to INR 14 per square meter, depending on the building type. This is the third revision since 2019, when the base rate was INR 5,000 or INR 10 per square meter, later increased to INR 6,000 or INR 12 per square meter in 2022. The latest hike reflects the growing costs of maintaining and upgrading fire safety infrastructure.
The revised fees apply to all commercial, educational, healthcare, industrial, and high-risk buildings, while places of worship and smaller residential units remain exempt.
Residential buildings (Group A) such as hostels, hotels, and lodging houses will pay INR 6,615 or INR 14 per square meter. However, private homes and apartments in certain subdivisions remain exempt. Educational institutions (Group B) including schools and colleges, and healthcare facilities (Group C) such as hospitals and mental health centers, will be charged INR 6,615 or INR 14 per square meter. Commercial and industrial properties (Groups E, F, and G) such as shopping complexes and factories must pay INR 6,615 or INR 12 per square meter. Warehouses and storage buildings (Group H) will pay the same rate as commercial and industrial properties. High-risk facilities (Group J), including fuel depots and buildings storing explosives, will pay the highest rate at INR 6,615 or INR 14 per square meter.
MCC has justified the hike by pointing out the rising operational costs of fire stations, equipment maintenance, and firefighter salaries. Chandigarh currently has four fire stations located in Sector 17, Industrial Area Phase 1, Manimajra, and Sector 38, but experts say the growing urban landscape demands at least two more stations in newly developed areas.
Recent fires in commercial hubs like Sector 22 and Industrial Area Phase 2 have highlighted gaps in fire safety enforcement. Many older buildings lack fire exits, sprinkler systems, or proper fire-resistant materials, putting occupants at risk. The revised fees, MCC says, will help fund stricter inspections and new firefighting equipment.
Business owners have raised concerns over the repeated fee hikes, arguing that the increased charges will add to the financial burden on commercial and industrial properties. Some also fear that the new rates may lead to non-compliance or delays in obtaining fire safety clearances, which could impact occupancy certificates and business operations.
A trader from Sector 34 expressed concern over the increased fire safety charges, stating that they would be difficult for small business owners. The trader noted that businesses were already burdened with high property taxes and other compliance costs.
On the other hand, fire safety experts emphasize the need for stricter regulations, pointing out that compliance failures have led to major fire incidents in the past. Regular inspections, updated firefighting equipment, and better fire hydrant infrastructure are crucial to reducing risks in high-density areas.
MCC has stated that the additional revenue from the fee hike will be invested in modernizing fire stations, hiring more trained firefighters, and purchasing new fire engines and high-rise rescue equipment. With the city witnessing an increase in high-rise developments, especially in areas like IT Park and Industrial Area, fire safety measures must evolve accordingly. The corporation has also announced plans to introduce an online portal where building owners can apply for fire safety certificates and track approvals digitally, reducing paperwork and bureaucratic delays.
While the revised charges aim to improve fire safety standards, enforcement remains a key concern. Authorities will need to ensure that fees collected are effectively used to upgrade fire safety infrastructure rather than simply adding to the civic body's revenue pool. Meanwhile, business owners and residents will have to adapt to the new charges while ensuring their properties meet safety standards.
In other related real estate news, Chandigarh's growing urban expansion has led to a surge in high-rise residential and commercial projects, making fire safety compliance even more critical. With over 1,000 new construction permits issued in the last year, the city's firefighting capacity will need continuous improvement to keep pace with development.
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