Voice of Small Industries – Laghu Udyog Bharti Chandigarh Raises Fire NOC Concerns
Today, a delegation from Laghu Udyog Bharti Chandigarh met Hon’ble Mayor Mrs. Harpreet Kaur Babla and submitted a memorandum addressing the growing concerns of small industrial units and shopkeepers regarding the exorbitant costs of obtaining Fire NOC.
Small businesses are currently being asked to spend between ₹4–5 lakh for fire safety clearances, a burden that is proving extremely difficult for them to bear. The delegation emphasized that in older industrial plots and smaller setups, the requirement for elaborate systems should be reconsidered. Instead, cost-effective fire safety tools such as fire balls and fire extinguishers should be accepted as valid alternatives to ensure compliance without undue financial stress.
It was highlighted that Chandigarh’s fire services are well-equipped and prompt, often responding to emergencies within 5–10 minutes. In most instances, fire bikes and quick response teams efficiently manage the situation before it escalates. Hence, imposing hefty infrastructure demands on small units is unnecessary and counterproductive.
The delegation strongly urged the Mayor to adopt a balanced and pragmatic approach—ensuring fire safety without discouraging entrepreneurship. With MSMEs playing a vital role in employment generation, tax contribution, and local economic development, they deserve support, not pressure.
Let’s build a business-friendly Chandigarh—where compliance is reasonable, and small industries thrive without fear of excessive costs.
