Sri Vijaya Puram, June 9: With the implementation of the A&N Islands Fire and Emergency Service Regulation, 2026 expected in the near future, the Andaman and Nicobar Fire & Emergency Services has launched a series of awareness and stakeholder consultation programmes aimed at preparing businesses and institutions for the new fire safety framework.
As part of the initiative, an interaction programme involving hoteliers, bar and restaurant owners, members of hotel associations and Fire & Emergency Services officials was held at the Conference Hall of the Fire Service Training Centre on June 6. Similar programmes are also being conducted in other parts of the islands, including Mayabunder, to familiarize stakeholders with the provisions of the new regulation and encourage early compliance.
The programme was chaired by Superintendent of Police (Fire) Uma Shankar, who outlined the objectives of the upcoming legislation and the responsibilities that will be placed on building owners, occupiers and commercial establishments.
Addressing participants, the SP (Fire) informed stakeholders that the A&N Islands Fire and Emergency Service Regulation, 2026 has already been promulgated by the President of India and is expected to come into force after receiving the necessary approval from the competent authority.
He explained that the regulation seeks to strengthen fire prevention measures, improve preparedness and establish a structured compliance mechanism for various categories of buildings and establishments across the islands.
Officials highlighted key provisions of the regulation, including requirements relating to annual self-declarations, third-party fire safety audits and the obligation of building owners and occupiers to maintain prescribed fire protection standards.
The interaction focused on ensuring that businesses understand their responsibilities before the rules formally come into effect. Fire officials said proactive compliance would not only help avoid future violations but also improve the overall safety of employees, customers and occupants.
During the session, participants were briefed on the process of conducting fire audits and the importance of regularly assessing fire risks within commercial establishments. Officials stated that audits would be used to identify deficiencies in existing fire safety arrangements and provide establishments with an opportunity to rectify shortcomings before enforcement begins.
Stakeholders from the hospitality and food service sectors raised a number of questions concerning implementation timelines, compliance procedures, third-party audit mechanisms and the role of stakeholder consultation in framing the accompanying rules.
According to officials, these concerns were addressed during the interactive session, with the department assuring participants that adequate awareness and guidance would be provided during the transition period.
The Fire Department also emphasized that compliance with fire safety standards should be viewed as a preventive measure rather than a regulatory obligation alone. Officials noted that hotels, restaurants and entertainment establishments often witness high public footfall, making fire preparedness and emergency response planning particularly important.
The hospitality sector forms a significant component of the islands’ tourism-driven economy, and authorities believe stronger fire safety measures will contribute to safer public spaces and improved emergency readiness.
SP (Fire) urged stakeholders to begin reviewing existing fire safety infrastructure and address deficiencies well before the regulation becomes operational. Early action, he said, would help ensure smoother compliance and reduce potential risks.
A total of 46 representatives from hotels, bars, restaurants and hotel associations attended the programme. Participants reportedly welcomed the department’s initiative to engage stakeholders before enforcement of the regulation and appreciated the opportunity to seek clarifications directly from fire safety officials.
The outreach programme is part of a broader effort by the Fire & Emergency Services Department to build awareness about the upcoming regulatory framework and create a culture of fire safety across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Officials indicated that similar interactions with stakeholders from various sectors will continue in the coming weeks as the Administration moves towards operationalizing the new regulation.
The department hopes that greater awareness, periodic audits and improved compliance mechanisms will help reduce fire-related risks and strengthen emergency preparedness throughout the Union Territory.
