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APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 05/03/2025

For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, practicing Daily Answer Writing is vital. This blog covers the most important Main question and its model Answer from the Assam Tribune today (05-03-2025).

Mains Question

Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of urban fires, posing new challenges for disaster management and urban planning. Analyze the causes behind rising urban fires and suggest policy measures to enhance fire resilience in Indian cities. (GS Paper 3: Environment, Disaster Management, Urban Planning)

Model Answer

Introduction

Urban fires have become a growing disaster risk due to climate change, rapid urbanization, and weak fire safety infrastructure. Rising heatwaves, prolonged dry spells, and energy consumption overloads have led to increased fire incidents in densely populated cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach combining urban planning, fire safety regulations, and climate adaptation measures.

Causes Behind Rising Urban Fires

1. Climate Change-Induced Heatwaves & Dry Weather

Rising global temperatures cause prolonged heatwaves, increasing flammability of materials in cities.
Dry and windy conditions accelerate fire spread, particularly in industrial zones and informal settlements.
Example: Delhi recorded its highest-ever temperature in 2023 (49.2°C), leading to multiple market and factory fires.

2. Unplanned Urbanization & Poor Infrastructure

Overcrowded slums and illegal settlements lack proper ventilation and fire exits.
Unauthorized electrical connections increase fire hazards due to overloaded circuits and short circuits.
Lack of firefighting access in congested areas delays emergency response.

3. Increased Energy Consumption & Electrical Fires

Rising use of air conditioners, industrial cooling systems, and faulty electrical wiring leads to overheating.
Poor maintenance of old electrical grids leads to sparks and explosions in transformers.
Example: Mumbai’s Kamala Mills fire (2017) was caused by short-circuiting due to electrical overload.

4. Weak Implementation of Fire Safety Norms

Many buildings do not comply with the National Building Code (NBC) fire safety standards.
Industrial areas and commercial hubs often store flammable materials without adequate safety measures.
Fire safety audits are often ignored or poorly enforced by municipal bodies.

5. Urban Encroachment into Forested Areas & Wildfire Spread

Expansion of cities into forest-adjacent zones (e.g., Western Ghats, Uttarakhand, and Bengaluru outskirts) has led to increased forest fire risks spreading into urban settlements.
Example: The 2023 Chile wildfires burned homes in urban-fringe areas due to strong winds and high temperatures.

Impact of Rising Urban Fires

1. Human Casualties & Health Hazards

Fires cause direct loss of lives and severe burn injuries.
Smoke from fires releases toxic pollutants (PM2.5, CO, SO2), leading to respiratory diseases.

2. Economic & Infrastructure Losses

Fires destroy businesses, factories, and residential areas, causing billions in losses annually.
Example: The Surat Textile Market fire (2021) resulted in ₹500 crore in damages.

3. Pressure on Fire Departments & Emergency Response

India has only 3,000 fire stations, whereas 8,500 are required as per international standards (NDMA report).
Lack of trained firefighters and modern equipment slows down rescue operations.

Government Measures to Address Fire Risks

1. Strengthening Fire Safety Regulations

National Building Code (NBC), 2016:
- Mandates fire-resistant materials, emergency exits, and sprinklers in high-rises.
Fire Safety Audits:
- Annual audits must be strictly enforced in commercial and industrial zones.
Smart City Fire Safety Plan:
- GIS-based real-time fire monitoring and AI-based fire alarm systems.

2. Improving Fire Department Infrastructure

Increasing the number of fire stations in all major cities.
Modernizing firefighting equipment, including:
- Drones for early fire detection.
- Robotic firefighting systems for high-risk areas.
- AI-based predictive analytics for risk assessment.

3. Promoting Climate-Resilient Urban Planning

Implementing heat-resistant and fireproof building materials in city planning.
Creating green belts and water reservoirs in cities to control fire spread.
Designing fire-resistant roofs and facades in slums and low-income housing.

4. Community Awareness & Public Participation

Conducting fire drills in schools, workplaces, and residential areas.
Promoting fire safety education through TV, social media, and municipal campaigns.
Establishing local volunteer firefighting units to assist emergency responders.

Way Forward

1. Making Fire Safety Compliance Mandatory

Strict implementation of NBC guidelines and industrial fire safety rules.
Penalizing non-compliant builders and industries.

2. Integrating Climate Science into Fire Risk Management

Using heatwave prediction models to issue “Red Flag Days” for fire-prone areas.
Expanding Forest Fire Susceptibility Index (FFSI) monitoring to urban peripheries.

3. Developing Smart City Fire Resilience Strategies

Implementing IoT-based fire detection sensors in high-risk zones.
Installing automatic water sprinklers and fire suppression systems in public buildings.

4. Strengthening Global Collaboration on Urban Fire Management

Learning from Japan’s fire-resistant architecture and Australia’s wildfire management techniques.
Participating in UN’s Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) to improve fire resilience.

Conclusion

Urban fires, exacerbated by climate change and unplanned growth, require a multi-pronged strategy focusing on fire safety regulations, urban planning, and public awareness. India must adopt a preventive approach rather than a reactive one, integrating technology-driven fire management, strict enforcement of safety laws, and climate-resilient infrastructure to reduce fire risks and protect lives.

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