Urban fires are becoming difficult to control due to growing temperatures, failing infrastructure, and poor governance. Discuss the causes of this disaster. Mention the features of two such major fires in the last two decades in India. Describe the policies and frameworks in India that aim at tackling such fires.

Climate change and poor infrastructure development have led to increasing fire risk for urban centres in India. Causes of Urban Fires: (1) Poor urban planning: Unplanned urban growth causes congestion and increases fire risk. (2) Urban heat islands due to conducive increase risk of trees/shrubs catching fires. (3) Failing electrical infrastructure leads to exposed wires and creates electrical fire hazards. (4) Firefighting departments lack modern equipment like halon gas which leads to fire spread. (5) Improper coverage of fire extinguishers and firefighting stations leads to increased response time.

Major Fire Incidents of India: (1) Tamil Nadu Firecracker factory explosion: Caused by deficient fire hazard preparedness and proximity to residential areas. (2) Ahmedabad factory fires: Led to large number of worker deaths caused by no fire evacuation plan, congestion leading to inability of fire hoses to approach, poor electrical cabling leading to fire.

Policies and Frameworks of Govt: (1) Improved technology of fire stations and specialized urban fire training improves preparedness. (2) Heat Action Plans such as in Ahmedabad combat growing temperatures by providing green cover and shade. (3) Urban planning regulations enforce evacuation planning of city blocks. (4) Building regulations of govt ensure fire exits and central staircases to death allow quick evacuation. Hence fire preparedness is key for reduced risk of urban fires in India.