The Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services has digitised all application and renewal services
The Goa government has implemented a significant overhaul of its fire safety compliance system, announcing a five-fold extension in the validity of Fire No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for buildings.
Previously valid for just one year, NOCs will now be valid for five years for both low-risk and high-risk buildings. This move is coupled with the full digitisation of all related services, eliminating the need for citizens to visit fire stations for approvals.
Nitin Raiker, Director of the Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services (DFES), announced the changes, emphasizing the shift in compliance burden. Building owners will now be required to submit an annual self-declaration confirming that all fire protection systems are maintained and adhere to safety norms.
“The revised validity period applies to both low-risk and high-risk buildings. Owners and occupiers will now be required to submit an annual self-declaration confirming maintenance of all fire protection systems,” Raiker stated.
Digital Audits & Licensed Agencies
While the validity period is extended, the DFES retains the right to conduct inspections at any time.
“The designated officer may conduct inspections at any time and revoke the NOC if deficiencies are found,” Raiker confirmed. Renewal after five years will be contingent upon a full inspection to verify that all systems are operational.
In a related move to regulate the fire safety ecosystem, the government also issued new guidelines for third-party service providers.
Licensing of Agencies: The entire process for licensing and regulating agencies involved in fire safety audits, system installations, and compliance certification will now be conducted online through the State Single Window System.
Public Accountability: Only agencies licensed by the DFES will be permitted to carry out these activities. The Directorate plans to maintain a publicly accessible dashboard of licensed agencies and conduct random quality inspections to ensure compliance.
The DFES affirmed that all public services—including applications, renewals, and agency licensing—are now fully online. Citizens can contact designated Public Redressal Officers via email or mobile for assistance, completing the move away from traditional paper-based procedures.
