The Uttar Pradesh government is taking proactive steps towards enacting the Lift and Escalators Act to address safety concerns in high-rise buildings. Energy Minister A K Sharma announced that the process for the promulgation of this legislation is currently underway. The decision to implement the Act was prompted by increasing demands for effective regulations governing the installation, maintenance, and operation of lifts, especially in tall structures.
The revelation came during a session in the Assembly, where concerns about lift safety were raised by both residents and legislators. Noida MLA Pankaj Singh and Greater Noida-Jewar MLA Dhirendra Singh, both members of the BJP, played instrumental roles in advocating for the need to regulate lifts in high-rises within their constituencies. They engaged with the Yogi Adityanath government to prioritise this issue. Highlighting the significance of the proposed Act, Minister Sharma explained that the growing urbanisation and proliferation of multi-storey buildings in the state have amplified the use of lifts. The Act's provisions are expected to ensure safer usage and maintenance of elevators in these structures.
This move gained further momentum as the legislators spotlighted an unfortunate incident of an elderly woman's demise due to a malfunctioning lift in a Noida society. Instances of lift-related injuries were also reported, emphasising the pressing need for proper regulations. In a meeting with Chief Minister Adityanath, MLA Dhirendra Singh emphasised the importance of this legislation in ensuring the well-being of residents in high-rise buildings.
