Bylaws on glass use in buildings

The Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) will soon forward a proposal to the state government regarding drafting of bylaws on the use of glasses, ensuring safety of people in residential and commercial buildings.

The Confederation of Construction Products and Services (CCPS) on Wednesday organised a workshop for JDA officials. Representatives of the confederation suggested bylaws regarding the use of glass. The JDA has decided to go through the bylaws and ask the state government to frame new bylaws.

JDA Secretary Loknath Soni, said the JDA has accepted the proposal and decided to forward it to the government. "Safety is necessary while using glasses in buildings. We have accepted their proposal and forward it to the state government," said Soni. If the suggested bylaws are added to the existing building bylaws, then accidents involving big glasses will certainly see a drop.

Confederation representatives said types of glasses and their location are primary cause of accidents in Jaipur. "Most commercial buildings in Jaipur don't use the prescribed glasses. For example, many use tampered glasses instead of laminated glasses causing severe injuries during accidents. We have asked the JDA to enforce the bylaws in Jaipur," said Deepak Gehlot, convener of the confederation.

Disaster management experts, too, accepted that bylaws on the use glass are necessary for safety of human lives and goods. According to the district fire cell, sometimes improper use of glasses in buildings causes difficulty in controlling fire. "Fire engulfed a media firm building recently. We tried to break the glasses of the building to enter but they were very thick. It took much time," said Ishwer Lal Jat, chief fire officer, Jaipur. Jat said firemen also faced problems while breaking the glass windows of the LIC building which was engulfed by fire three years ago. "These bylaws are required to be enforced in Jaipur," added Jat.