NAVVNEET DUBEY
Jammu: Expressing concern over allegations regarding non-implementation of firefighting policies in Jammu and Kashmir, the High Court has directed the UT administration to furnish comprehensive details of existing fire stations, prescribed requirements and classification of areas as per fire-risk vulnerability, to assess whether current infrastructure meets prescribed standards and to examine alleged gaps in emergency preparedness across the Union Territory. The court also directed the administration to disclose how many fire stations or firefighting establishments are required under the prescribed standards and how many are actually functioning in each category.
The High Court’s directions came just a few days after a major fire ripped through Shiv Market near Jammu Railway Station, destroying around 40 shops and leaving dozens of traders staring at huge losses. The shops were mostly dealing in dry fruits, blankets, shawls, clothes and readymade garments.
Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Dr. Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Yash Paul Bourney issued directions while hearing Public Interest Litigation highlighting alleged deficiencies in firefighting preparedness. They hearing WP(C) PIL No. 13/2024 filed by Advocate Mohd RahoofKhan, who appeared in person, highlighting alleged deficiencies in firefighting preparedness across the UT. The petitioner contended that failure to implement the policy has exposed public to serious risk, particularly in areas where emergency response facilities are inadequate.
Senior Additional Advocate General Monika Kohli, appearing for the administration, placed before the Court guidelines framed by the Standing Fire Advisory Council under Ministry of Home Affairs.
As per guidelines, establishment of fire stations depends on population, geographical conditions, fire-risk vulnerability and response time from nearest establishment. Areas are classified into four categories: high-risk, medium-risk, low-risk and rural or comparatively low-risk. The Court was informed that suggested response time is three minutes in high-risk areas, five minutes in medium and low-risk urban areas and 20 minutes in rural areas. The guidelines recommend a fire station for every 10 sq km in urban areas and 50 sq km in rural areas.
Taking note of submissions, the Bench directed administration to disclose how many areas fall under each risk classification in J&K, how many fire stations are required as per prescribed standards and how many are actually functioning. The Court directed that a consolidated category-wise chart duly supported by affidavit be placed on record to enable judicial examination whether existing infrastructure corresponds to policy standards. The information is intended to enable the court to examine whether the existing network meets the norms laid down by the Standing Fire Advisory Council regarding population coverage, response time and area coverage, and to identify vulnerable areas lacking adequate fire protection. The matter has been listed for further hearing on November 17.
However as per government data, over 1850 fire incidents have been reported in Jammu and Kashmir in last three years. Fire & Emergency Services, Jammu and Kashmir, responded to 5,681 fire calls, 58 rescue calls and 64 false calls during the period from August 2025 to July 2026.
