Karnataka Govt to impose 1% fire safety cess on high-rise and multi-storey buildings

In a significant move to enhance fire safety infrastructure, the Karnataka cabinet has approved the imposition of a 1% fire safety cess on all high-rise and multi-storey buildings across the state. The announcement was made by Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil following the cabinet meeting.

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The cess will be levied in accordance with provisions under the Fire Services Act and will apply to buildings that fall under its jurisdiction. This includes commercial buildings, industrial establishments, educational institutions, hospitals, and residential apartments that are classified as high-rise or multi-storey structures.

The revenue generated through this cess will be used to upgrade and strengthen the capabilities of the Karnataka Fire and Emergency Services Department. Officials believe this decision will ensure better compliance with fire safety norms, especially in urban areas witnessing rapid vertical growth.

The state government aims to use this initiative to plug gaps in fire response preparedness, particularly in densely populated zones where high-rise structures dominate the landscape. The move also aligns with recommendations made in recent safety audits following fire incidents in parts of the state.