Table of Contents

APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 11/12/2025

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 (11-12-2025).

📝 GS-II / GS-III Mains Model Answer (Point-wise Format)

Question:

“The recent Swagato Square fire in Guwahati highlights the deep structural weaknesses in urban fire safety governance in India. Discuss the major causes of recurring fire incidents in urban commercial centres and suggest a comprehensive fire-safety reform strategy for rapidly growing Indian cities.”

⭐ MODEL ANSWER (Point-wise, UPSC Quality)

1. Introduction (Point-wise)

The Swagato Square (Sohum Emporia) fire in Guwahati (Dec 2025) gutted all six floors of a major commercial hub, requiring over 20 fire tenders and hours of firefighting.

TG@Assam_Tribune (11-12-2025)

Although casualties were avoided, the incident exposed critical gaps in fire safety governance, compliance, and enforcement in urban India.
Such incidents are increasingly frequent in Indian cities, raising questions about regulatory effectiveness and urban resilience.

2. Causes of Recurring Fire Accidents in Indian Commercial Complexes

A. Structural & Regulatory Weaknesses

Non-compliance with National Building Code (NBC) norms—lack of sprinklers, alarms, fire doors.
Poor enforcement by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) due to limited manpower and corruption vulnerabilities.
Outdated building plans that do not reflect expansions or modifications made later.

B. Electrical & Infrastructure Issues

Faulty wiring and overloading, especially during festival lighting—suspected in Swagato Square.
Installation of non-standard illumination equipment, increasing short-circuit risk.

C. Fire Response Limitations

Insufficient high-reach equipment for multi-storey firefighting.
Traffic congestion delaying fire tenders.
Lack of trained building staff and emergency wardens.

D. Urbanisation Pressures

High density of commercial buildings in congested zones.
Poor maintenance culture—expired extinguishers, blocked exits, cluttered staircases.

E. Awareness & Behavioural Factors

Low citizen awareness of evacuation protocols.
Prioritisation of aesthetics and business activity over safety compliance.

3. Implications of the Fire Incidents

Threat to life & property in high-density economic hubs.
Business continuity disruptions, especially where banks/offices are affected.
Loss of critical documents and digital infrastructure.
Insurance liabilities and economic losses running into crores.
Erosion of public trust in governance institutions and regulatory oversight.
Undermines goals of Smart Cities Mission and safe urbanisation.

4. Government Initiatives & Frameworks (Point-wise)

National Building Code 2016 – updated fire and life safety norms.
NDMA Guidelines on Urban Fire Safety – risk assessment, equipment norms.
AMRUT & Smart Cities Mission – scope for modern firefighting systems.
Fire Safety Act (State level) – mandates Fire NOC and periodic inspections.
Use of GIS-based mapping of high-risk zones in select cities.

5. Way Forward: A Comprehensive Fire-Safety Reform Strategy

A. Strengthening Regulations & Enforcement

Annual third-party fire audits for all commercial buildings.
QR-coded, digital Fire NOC tracking system for transparency.
Penal action for non-compliance, including sealing of unsafe buildings.

B. Upgrading Firefighting Capacity

Expand fleet of hydraulic aerial platforms for buildings above 12 floors.
Use of AI-based predictive hazard identification and thermal imaging drones.

C. Improving Building-Level Preparedness

Mandatory fire evacuation drills every quarter.
Appointment of certified Fire Safety Officers in every large commercial complex.

D. Urban Infrastructure & Planning Reforms

Ensure clear emergency access lanes in commercial zones.
Integrate fire safety audits into building plan approvals and renewal cycles.

E. Public Awareness & Behavioural Change

City-wide fire safety campaigns through schools, RWAs, business associations.
Strict ban on low-quality electrical decorations and overloaded circuits.

6. Conclusion (Point-wise)

Only through integrated reforms can India prevent such incidents and protect lives, livelihoods, and urban infrastructure.

The Swagato Square fire is a stark reminder that Indian cities remain highly vulnerable to preventable urban disasters.

Fire safety must shift from a reactive enforcement model to a preventive, technology-driven governance system.

Strengthening compliance, capacity, infrastructure, and community awareness is essential to build resilient and safe urban environments.

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