Hyderabad : With nearly 60 per cent of reported fire incidents in India linked to electrical faults, the Fire & Security Association of India (FSAI), Hyderabad Chapter, unveiled a comprehensive Six-Pillar Approach aimed at improving electrical safety practices, strengthening compliance, and reducing fire risks across the country. The roadmap was announced during the seminar “Electrical Safety Excellence — Beyond Compliance”, organised by FSAI Hyderabad Chapter in association with the International Copper Association India (ICA India) in Hyderabad.
As India witnesses rapid urbanisation, expanding infrastructure investments and the growing adoption of technologies such as electric vehicle charging systems and solar power installations, speakers highlighted the need for a proactive approach that complements regulatory compliance with stronger risk management, training and preventive measures. The seminar brought together regulators, policymakers, consultants, engineers, safety professionals and industry leaders to deliberate on best practices required to support India’s rapidly expanding built environment.
A key highlight of the event was the discussion on critical electrical safety provisions under the National Building Construction Standards (NBCS) 2026, a significant development for India’s building, electrical safety and fire protection ecosystem. The sessions provided stakeholders with insights into the framework’s impact on building design, construction practices and electrical safety management.
Addressing the gathering, K. Nanda Kumar, Chief Electrical Inspector to the Government and Ex-Officio Chairperson of the Telangana Electrical Licensing Board said, “As India’s infrastructure ecosystem grows in scale and complexity, stakeholders must focus on adopting robust safety practices, quality installations, and regular audits to minimise risks and protect lives. Platforms such as this seminar play an important role in building awareness and strengthening industry-wide safety culture.”
Meanwhile, Vikram Singh Mann, IPS, Director General of Telangana Fire, Disaster Response, Emergency and Civil Defence said, “It is true that a significant number of fire incidents continue to occur due to electrical faults and unsafe installations. Preventing such incidents requires greater collaboration between regulators, industry, designers, installers, and end users. This forum will reinforce the need to integrate electrical safety, fire protection, and risk management as part of a comprehensive approach to safeguarding people and property.”
Shri Linga Reddy, Chief Engineer, Electrical R&B Department, Telangana, said, “The discussions on NBCS 2026 provided valuable insights into the future direction of electrical safety and building standards in India. The updated framework presents an opportunity for the industry to adopt safer design practices, strengthen infrastructure resilience, and ensure that safety considerations are embedded from the planning stage through execution and operation.”
Speaking on the occasion, Manoj Wahi, President, FSAI Hyderabad Chapter, outlined FSAI’s newly launched Six-Pillar Approach aimed at driving a nationwide culture of electrical safety. The initiative focuses on capacity building for professionals involved in electrical system design, installation and maintenance; large-scale residential safety inspections through the Ghar Suraksha Audit programme; electrical safety education for schoolchildren; awareness around the safe deployment of EV charging infrastructure and other emerging technologies; public outreach through digital platforms; and improving compliance among MSMEs while developing a national database on electrical accidents.
The day-long programme featured expert-led technical sessions covering key aspects of compliance, risk management and infrastructure safety. Hemant Sali, Technical Advisor, ICA India, led sessions on navigating NBCS 2026, Indian electrical statutes and the implementation of IS 18732 standards, while Amol Kalsekar of ICA India presented a case study on cable selection and installation practices. Dr. Janaki Raman discussed earthing and lightning protection requirements under NBCS 2026, and Hemant Kumar of ICA India addressed the safe integration of EV charging infrastructure and solar photovoltaic systems into existing buildings.
Additional sessions by Thiyagarajan and Gopalakrishnan of Chola MS Risk Services covered arc flash hazards, hazardous area classification, static electricity and earthing systems. Sreenivas Valluri spoke on electrical asset integrity, while Gopalakrishnan and Subbarao shared global best practices based on NFPA standards and international benchmarks. The programme concluded with a session on fire protection systems for electrical installations in line with NBCS 2026, NFPA and Indian standards.
The event was organised under the leadership of Manoj Wahi, President, FSAI Hyderabad Chapter; Huzefa Hussain, Secretary, FSAI Hyderabad Chapter; Shivaramakrishnan V., Regional Director – South, FSAI; and Valluri Srinivas, Immediate Past National President, FSAI.