The Karnataka Government has officially notified the Karnataka Fire Force (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Karnataka Act No. 59 of 2025), bringing significant fiscal implications for newly constructed multi-storied buildings across the state.
Published in the Karnataka Gazette Extraordinary and having received the Governor’s assent on September 10, 2025, the amendment introduces a new surcharge (fire cess) aimed at enhancing fire safety infrastructure and funding the Karnataka Fire and Emergency Services.
🔥 Key Features of the Amendment
🔹 1% Fire Cess Introduced
- The amendment inserts two provisos to Section 15 of the Karnataka Fire Force Act, 1964.
- A fire cess at the rate of 1% will be levied as a surcharge on the property tax of newly constructed multi-storied buildings (high-rises).
🔹 Definition Reference
- The term “multi-storied buildings” refers to “high rise buildings” as defined in Section 13 of the Principal Act.
- The cess comes into effect from the date notified by the State Government in the Official Gazette.
🔹 Government Buildings Exempt
- The Act exempts buildings owned or controlled by the State or Central Government or public authorities under them.
- This exemption ensures the cess targets private/commercial high-rise developments, not public infrastructure.
🧾 Legal Background & Implementation
- The Karnataka Fire Force Act, 1964 governs fire safety, emergency response, and fire prevention measures across the state.
- The 2025 amendment aims to create a dedicated revenue stream to support:
- Procurement of fire-fighting equipment
- Upgradation of fire stations
- Training and capacity building
- The Act will be operational on a date yet to be notified by the State Government.
🏢 Impact on Real Estate & Urban Planning
📈 Who Will Be Affected?
- Developers and owners of new high-rise residential, commercial, and mixed-use buildings
- Municipal bodies will integrate this cess into the property tax collection mechanism
❗ Policy Implications
- Encourages better compliance with fire safety norms
- Promotes accountability among private developers for fire readiness
- Additional cost considerations may reflect in property prices or maintenance charges
📌 Conclusion
With urban density increasing and high-rises becoming the norm in Bengaluru and other cities, the fire cess under the Karnataka Fire Force (Amendment) Act, 2025 is a timely regulatory tool. It not only aligns with urban safety needs but also reinforces the financial sustainability of the state’s fire services.
Municipal corporations are expected to issue corresponding notifications and implementation guidelines soon.