Short Answer

Yes, there are specific fire and safety regulations that cooperative societies in Gujarat must adhere to for common spaces.

Detailed Explanation

Rule 159 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Rules, 1965 mandates that every cooperative housing society must comply with the fire safety regulations as per the Gujarat Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2013. This means that societies must ensure that common areas like parking lots, staircases, passages, and other shared spaces are equipped with necessary fire safety measures such as fire extinguishers, fire alarms, emergency exits, and proper ventilation systems. In practice, this requires societies to conduct regular fire safety audits, maintain firefighting equipment, and educate residents on fire safety protocols.

Furthermore, Section 152 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961 empowers the Registrar of Cooperative Societies to issue directions to societies regarding safety measures in common areas. In real-world scenarios, this provision allows the Registrar to intervene in cases where societies fail to comply with fire safety regulations, thereby ensuring the safety of all residents. The step-by-step process involves the Registrar issuing a notice to the society highlighting the deficiencies in fire safety measures and directing them to take corrective actions within a specified timeframe.

Practical Examples

• Scenario: A cooperative housing society in Gujarat lacks proper fire safety equipment in its parking area.

Action: The Registrar of Cooperative Societies issues a notice to the society directing them to install fire extinguishers and emergency lighting in the parking lot within 30 days.

• Scenario: A fire breaks out in the common staircase of a cooperative society due to lack of proper ventilation.

Action: The society is held liable for negligence under Rule 159 and is required to improve ventilation systems in all common areas to prevent future incidents.

• Scenario: Residents of a cooperative society organize a fire safety awareness workshop in the common clubhouse.

Action: This proactive approach not only educates residents about fire safety but also ensures compliance with the regulations set forth in the Act and Rules.

References

• Rule 159 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Rules, 1965: Official PDF

• Section 152 of the Gujarat Cooperative Societies Act, 1961: Official PDF