PDRF & Fire

PDRF

Considering the vast jurisdiction of the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), which includes hilltop settlements, old constructions, dams, lakes, national highways passing through the authority’s region and other geographical challenges, the PMRDA general body, in its meeting held on 24.09.2024, approved the formation of the Pune Metropolitan Disaster Response Force (PDRF).

The PDRF is envisioned to be a responsive, visible, disciplined, skilled and highly technical force capable of addressing all kinds of natural and man-made disasters. It will be equipped with modern tools and vehicles essential for disaster response operations.

Fire

The fire service is an essential service that plays a key role in ensuring the protection of life and property. The primary objectives of the Fire Department include implementing fire prevention measures and saving lives. Necessary measures for fire safety are carried out following the guidelines of DCPR (Development Control and Promotion Regulations), National Building Code (NBC) and Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006.

As per Section 21 of the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006, considering the potential fire hazards in various buildings within the jurisdiction of local and planning authorities, provisions are made for setting up necessary fire stations. Currently, 03 fire stations have been established in the PMRDA area and fire services are being provided through these stations.

Core Functions of the Fire Departments

Firefighting and Disaster Mitigation is the primary and most vital responsibility of the department. Effective and promptly respond to protect life and property.

  • Types of Fire NOCs (No Objection Certificates)
    • Provisional Fire NOC: This certificate is issued during the building plan approval stage, prior to the commencement of construction. It ensures that the proposed building incorporates essential fire prevention and life safety measures as per relevant norms and codes.
    • Final Fire NOC: Issued before granting the Occupancy Certificate (OC), this certificate verifies that the actual construction complies with all fire safety provisions outlined in the Provisional Fire NOC. It ensures the building is safe for occupancy from a fire safety perspective and is granted by PMRDA.
    • Fire Clearance for Environmental Clearance (EC): This specific fire clearance is issued exclusively for the Maharashtra Environment Impact Assessment Authority as part of the Integrated Occupancy Document (IOD) process. It ensures that fire safety requirements are addressed for projects requiring environmental clearance.
    • Standby Duty Services: The department provides fire standby services for various public and private events such as helipad operations, exhibitions, seminars, public gatherings, political meetings, sports events and similar high-footfall occasions to ensure safety and rapid emergency response.
    • Training and Awareness: The fire service also undertakes public awareness campaigns and ensures preparedness and quick response during any crisis.
    • Pune Metropolitan Disaster Response Force (PDRF): In addition to this, Fire service is actively involved in handling man-made disasters (like chemical leaks, accidents) and natural calamities (such as floods, storms and earthquakes). These operations are effectively carried out in association with the Pune Metropolitan Disaster Response Force (PDRF) wing.