The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly on March 4, 2026, introduced a bill to amend the Andhra Pradesh Fire Service Act, 1999. The amendment, proposed to come into force retrospectively from December 1, 2025, aims to strengthen fire safety regulations, align definitions with existing building rules, and enhance the operational framework of fire and disaster response services in the State.
The Bill introduces and revises several key definitions, including “Building” (aligned with the Andhra Pradesh Building Rules, 2017), “Building Fire Safety Supervisor,” “Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures,” “High-rise building,” and “Qualified agency.” It also expands the scope of fire services by recognizing them as emergency services for disasters beyond fire incidents, thereby enabling broader disaster response functions. Additionally, it defines the role of the Director General of State Disaster Response and Fire Services, granting powers related to policy formulation, regulation, training, and operational control.
Further, the Bill introduces provisions for mandatory Provisional Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC) for specified categories of buildings such as high-rise structures, institutional, industrial, hazardous buildings, and large commercial or residential premises. These measures aim to ensure stricter compliance with fire safety standards and improve preparedness for fire and disaster situations across various occupancies.
[L.A. Bill No. 12 of 2026]
