Gurugram, Dec. 17 -- The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has taken strong cognizance of serious gaps in fire safety preparedness, sharply criticising a five-year delay in procuring critical equipment like hydraulic platforms and turn table ladders. Terming the delay "inexcusable", the Commission warned that prolonged administrative inaction poses a direct threat to public safety, particularly in high-rise and densely populated areas. Justice Lalit Batra, chairperson HHRC, said the observations were made in a recent suo motu case order examining Fire and Emergency Services department reports. "The HHRC noted that despite rapid urbanisation and a growing skyline, essential rescue equipment required for evacuating people from multi-storeyed buildings during fires, earthquakes or structural emergencies has remained pending for procurement for nearly half a decade," he said. The commission underlined that hydraulic platforms and turn table ladders are vital safety mechanisms, not optional add-ons. They allow external access to higher floors when staircases and lifts are unusable and provide safer evacuation for the elderly, patients, and persons with disabilities, reducing panic and stampede risks. To be sure, under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, a State Human Rights Commission can inquire into violations or negligence by public servants and make recommendations to the state government. The HHRC cannot itself procure equipment; it can investigate, call for reports, and recommend corrective steps or policy changes. Justice Batra said the HHRC further examined the Haryana Development and Regulation of Urban Areas Act, 1975, noting that "external development works" already include fire stations and infrastructure for planned urban development. The HHRC said further delay could expose citizens to "irreparable but avoidable harm", reiterating that fire safety is not merely administrative but a fundamental human rights concern tied to the protection of life....