The Delhi government has mandated the installation of an Internet of Things (IoT)-based automated continuous monitoring system (ACMS) in specified buildings to digitally monitor fire prevention and life safety systems in real time through automated alerts and surveillance mechanisms.
The new provision, introduced under the Delhi Fire Service (Amendment) Rules through a recent gazette notification, aims to ensure that active and passive fire safety systems remain functional, properly maintained and capable of responding effectively during emergencies.
Under the new rules, the ACMS will continuously monitor critical firefighting infrastructure, including hydrant pumps, sprinkler systems, fire water tanks, fire detection systems, manual call points, public address systems, staircase pressurisation fans and basement ventilation systems.
The monitoring network will function through IoT gateways connected to cloud-based servers capable of generating real-time alerts and system health reports.
Notifications will be sent to building owners, occupiers and empanelled fire safety auditors through mobile applications, SMS alerts and emails.
Officials said the initiative is aimed at improving accountability and minimising risks arising from non-functional or poorly maintained firefighting systems in high-occupancy and high-risk buildings.
The implementation of the system will take place in two phases.
In the first phase, which comes into effect immediately after notification of the rules, alerts and reports will remain accessible to building owners, occupiers and fire safety auditors.
In the second phase, critical alarms such as pump failures, low hydrant or sprinkler pressure, and faults in fire alarm systems will also be transmitted directly to the Delhi Fire Service (DFS) for quicker emergency response and monitoring.