A bill in Uttar Pradesh makes rescue equipment and alarms required in order to prevent lift crashes
The Uttar Pradesh Assembly is scheduled to hear a bill on Tuesday that would require building authorities to install surveillance cameras, alarms, and rescue gear in elevators in order to protect the safety of lift users.
The action by the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government is in response to many lift accidents that have occurred in the state, particularly in the high-rises in Noida and other areas of the Delhi-NCR.
Following a presentation on the draft Uttar Pradesh lift and Accelerator Bill, 2023 at his Lucknow home, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath approved it in December 2023. The Chief Minister’s action was taken a few days after the elevator in the commercial building River Side Tower in Sector 125 collapsed, injuring nine IT workers who were going home from work. The elevator was on the ninth story.
According to the CM, the number of multi-story buildings has led to a rise in the use of escalators and elevators.
“It is imperative to strictly enforce adherence to prescribed procedures for the construction, quality, and built-in safety features, as well as for the installation, operation, and maintenance of lifts and escalators,” the speaker said. “People’s safety is important.”
The law requires escalators to have auto rescue devices installed so that, in the event of an outage or other malfunction, confined riders will automatically open the door when they reach the closest landing. In order to communicate with people outside, it also becomes necessary to install emergency bells, CCTV cameras, sufficient lighting, and communication systems in elevators and escalators.
The Uttar Pradesh government declared in October 2023 that lift closures, breakdowns, and other mishaps will result in a fine of ₹1 lakh and a three-year prison sentence. The action was taken in response to a devastating event that occurred in September at Amrapali Dream Valley in Noida Extension, when a lift accident claimed the lives of nine construction workers.
