With nearly 60% of reported fire incidents in India linked to electrical faults, the Fire and Security Association of India (FSAI), Hyderabad Chapter, on Friday unveiled a six-pillar roadmap aimed at strengthening electrical safety, improving compliance and reducing preventable fire risks across the country.

The initiative was announced during a seminar titled “Electrical Safety Excellence — Beyond Compliance,” organised by the FSAI in association with the International Copper Association India (ICA India) in Hyderabad.

The seminar brought together regulators, policymakers, engineers, consultants, safety professionals and industry leaders to discuss electrical safety challenges amid rapid urbanisation, growing infrastructure development and the increasing adoption of electric vehicle charging systems and solar power installations.

A key focus of the event was the discussion on electrical safety provisions under the proposed National Building Construction Standards (NBCS) 2026, with experts examining how the framework could impact building design, construction practices and fire safety management.

Chief Electrical Inspector to the Government and Ex-Officio Chairperson of the Telangana Electrical Licensing Board, K. Nanda Kumar, stressed the need for robust safety practices, quality electrical installations and regular audits to minimise risks and protect lives as India’s infrastructure continues to expand.

Telangana Director General of Fire, Disaster Response, Emergency and Civil Defence Vikram Singh Maan said a significant proportion of fire incidents are attributed to electrical faults and unsafe installations, underscoring the need for greater collaboration between regulators, industry, designers, installers and end users to strengthen electrical safety and fire prevention.

Chief Engineer of the Telangana Roads and Buildings Department, Linga Reddy, said the proposed NBCS 2026 presents an opportunity to embed safety into infrastructure planning, design, execution and operation while enhancing the resilience of buildings.

During the event, FSAI Hyderabad Chapter president Manoj Wahi outlined the organisation’s six-pillar strategy, which includes capacity building for electrical professionals, residential electrical safety audits under the Ghar Suraksha Audit programme, electrical safety education for schoolchildren, awareness on the safe deployment of EV charging infrastructure and other emerging technologies, public outreach through digital platforms, and improving compliance among micro, small and medium enterprises while creating a national database on electrical accidents.

The day-long programme also featured technical sessions on compliance with NBCS 2026, Indian electrical standards, cable installation practices, earthing and lightning protection, EV charging infrastructure, solar photovoltaic systems, arc flash hazards, electrical asset integrity and fire protection systems aligned with Indian and international safety standards.