FireSafety – Delhi Introduces Digital Fire Monitoring for High-Risk Buildings
FireSafety – The Delhi government has introduced a new regulatory framework requiring designated buildings to install an Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled Automated Continuous Monitoring System (ACMS) for round-the-clock supervision of fire protection and life safety equipment. The requirement has been notified through an amendment to the Delhi Fire Service Rules and is aimed at improving preparedness and response during emergencies.
New Digital Oversight for Fire Protection Systems
Under the revised regulations, the ACMS will continuously observe the operational status of critical fire safety infrastructure within covered buildings. The system is designed to ensure that fire prevention measures remain functional, regularly maintained, and ready for use whenever an emergency situation arises.
Officials said the initiative represents a significant shift from periodic manual inspections to technology-driven monitoring that can identify faults or failures as they occur. The move is expected to strengthen compliance with safety standards while improving accountability among building operators and facility managers.
Wide Range of Safety Equipment to Be Monitored
The monitoring network will cover several essential firefighting and life safety installations. These include hydrant pumps, sprinkler systems, fire water storage tanks, fire detection equipment, manual call points, public address systems, pressurisation fans, and basement ventilation units.
In addition, the system will keep track of main hydrant pumps, standby diesel and electric pumps, jockey pumps, booster pumps, underground and overhead fire water tanks, sprinkler risers, and fire alarm control panels. Equipment linked to evacuation and smoke management, such as staircase pressurisation systems, lift lobby pressurisation units, and basement exhaust fans, will also be included within the monitoring framework.
Cloud-Based Alerts and Instant Reporting
According to the notification, the ACMS will function through IoT gateways linked to cloud-based servers. These servers will collect operational data and generate alerts whenever irregularities are detected.
Building owners, occupants, and empanelled fire safety auditors will receive notifications through mobile applications, emails, and SMS services. The digital platform will also provide reports on system health and performance, allowing stakeholders to identify issues before they become serious safety concerns.
Implementation Planned in Two Stages
Authorities have decided to roll out the system in phases. The first stage has already come into effect and allows building owners, occupants, and auditors to access alerts and monitoring reports generated by the platform.
During the second phase, critical warnings will also be transmitted directly to the Delhi Fire Service. These alerts may include pump power failures, inadequate pressure in hydrant or sprinkler systems, and faults within fire alarm networks. Officials believe this direct communication channel will help emergency responders react more quickly when essential safety equipment becomes non-functional.
Continuous Data Transmission and Backup Requirements
The rules specify that the monitoring platform must support cloud connectivity through reliable communication networks, including 4G, 5G, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and other wired or wireless technologies. Data from monitored equipment must be uploaded every minute to maintain continuous visibility of system performance.
To prevent monitoring gaps, the cloud portal will automatically generate alarms if data transmission stops for more than 15 minutes. The IoT gateway must also include a minimum seven-hour power backup and the capacity to store at least 10,000 timestamped event records for future review and auditing.
Focus on Safety, Maintenance and Faster Response
Officials from the Delhi Fire Service said the primary objective of the initiative is to improve maintenance standards and strengthen emergency preparedness in buildings considered vulnerable to fire risks. Through continuous digital supervision of firefighting infrastructure, authorities hope to detect technical issues early, reduce equipment failures, and enhance overall public safety across the capital.