HYDERABAD: For new residential apartment buildings, the Telangana fire department has raised the height limit for obtaining a provisional Fire NOC from 18m (usually G+5) to 24m (usually G+7). The change will come into effect from Oct 7.According to officials, the change applies only to residential apartments and will not affect schools, hospitals, hotels, hostels, industries, malls, offices or other public-use buildings. Officials said the change was made following discussions with builders’ associations and in line with National Building Construction Standards (NBCS) 2026.
Safety checks to continue
Simplifying approvalsFire DG Vikram Singh Mann said the move was aimed at simplifying approvals and reducing the regulatory burden on lower and mid-rise residential buildings. Officials also said that while a provisional Fire NOC would not be required for buildings between 18m and 24m, fire officers would conduct periodic checks during construction to ensure basic safety measures, including proper exits, emergency lights, fire extinguishers and safe electrical systems, were in place. However, fire-safety experts said fire risk cannot be determined by the height of a building alone. SP Anchuri, vice-president of Council for Fire and Life Safety (CFLS), said safety should also be assessed based on factors such as the number of occupants, evacuation routes, smoke management, firefighting systems and access for fire tenders.8,860 incidents in 2025Official data showed that fire incidents in Telangana have risen by nearly 15% over the past five years, with more than 100 fire-related deaths reported annually. In 2025, the state recorded over 8,860 fire incidents and more than 160 deaths. “Residential buildings between 18m and 24m should have clear and unobstructed escape routes, protected staircases, emergency lighting and signage, smoke management systems, safe electrical installations, fire detection and alarm systems and adequate firefighting equipment,” he added.Experts also pointed to common risks in apartments, such as blocked staircases, locked terraces, storage in common areas, unsafe electrical changes and vehicles blocking access to fire tenders. Anchuri said regular checks after construction were also important, as a building that is safe at the design stage could become unsafe because of poor maintenance or changes made after occupancy.
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