ICA India and Gujarat State Fire Prevention Services Collaborate to Raise Awareness in Surat
GUJARAT, SURAT | 14th OCTOBER 2025: The Gujarat State Fire Prevention Services (GSFPS), Government of Gujarat, in collaboration with the International Copper Association India (ICA India), hosted an exclusive interactive session yesterday, titled – “Electrical Fire Safety in Buildings”.
The event is part of a statewide initiative aimed at enhancing awareness of electrical fire safety and promoting the adoption of best practices to prevent electrical accidents in buildings. With Gujarat witnessing an increasing number of fire incidents caused by electrical faults, the initiative showcases the government’s focus on public safety and proactive risk mitigation.
The inaugural session featured senior officials including Shri Anil Chavda, Deputy Director (Technical) – SFPS, Shri Basantkumar Pareek, Chief Fire Officer – Surat Municipal Corporation, and Shri Amol Kalsekar, Director – Marketing, ICA India
Speaking at the event, Shri Anil Chavda emphasized the need to strengthen the state’s electrical safety framework through adherence to national standards and better coordination among stakeholders.
He stated, “The rapid pace of urbanization and the increasing use of advanced technology in our cities demand an immediate and critical focus on electrical fire safety. Electrical safety devices like high-quality ELCBs, MCBs, and RCCBs and other engineering controls should be non-negotiable, acting as the primary safeguard against electrical faults/damages. Crucially, this must be paired with rigorous, regular maintenance and public awareness. Our goal is to significantly curtail the loss of life and property.”
Shri Amol Kalsekar from ICA India reiterated the importance of using high-quality electrical materials and regular maintenance to prevent electrical mishaps.
He said, “Through awareness and collaboration with state authorities, we aim to build a culture of safety in electrical installations that protects both lives and property.”
The interactive session brought together experts and industry representatives for in-depth discussions on the causes of electrical fires, compliance with Indian standards, and the importance of adopting safe installation practices. Experts including Mr. Hemant Sali, Ex. Superintending Engineer, PWD Maharashtra and Dr. Janakiraman from OBO Bettermann; and Mr. Amol Kalsekar from ICA India, shared insights on the role of maintenance, earthing, lightning protection, and material selection in preventing fire hazards.
The session encouraged active dialogue among participants, including representatives from the Fire Department, Town Planning Department, Chief Electrical Inspectorate, Developers and Consultants Attendees emphasized the importance of regular safety audits, adherence to codes and standards, and public awareness in reducing fire risks.
The event concluded with a commitment to extend similar programs across other districts of Gujarat, reinforcing the state’s dedication to ensuring safer, compliant, and resilient infrastructure. Through such initiatives, GSFPS and ICA India aim to drive a culture of prevention and responsibility in electrical safety, safeguarding communities and contributing to a safer Gujarat.
