Telangana Eases Fire NOC Rules for Existing Schools and Colleges

Overview

• Director General Vikram Singh Mann announced the revised Fire NOC framework on Wednesday, and the rules will apply to NOC applications received on or after November 10, 2026.
• The department relaxes some structural prescriptions for existing schools and junior and intermediate colleges by allowing current open spaces to count and by modifying second‑stair requirements based on building height and layout.
• Where setbacks are short, institutions must install compensatory measures such as water curtains, and every site must provide a four‑way fire brigade inlet to aid firefighting access.
• The circular keeps strict equipment and evacuation standards by requiring extinguishers, hose reels, manual fire alarms, sprinklers in labs and server rooms where needed, unobstructed exits, emergency lighting and clear evacuation plans.
• The rules keep administrative safeguards: schools must form safety committees, run staff training and drills, may continue using the existing self‑certification route, and occupancy NOCs issued under the new rules will be valid for three years with renewal due two months before expiry; the revision follows stakeholder representations and a September 8 consultation.