City pubs, bars housing pyrotechnics to soon get special norms

Mumbai: Even though the state government is contemplating nightlife in the city, there are no special fire safety norms in place for pubs and bars where pyrotechnics are involved. Municipal commissioner Ajoy Mehta is likely to issue special fire safety norms and guidelines for them very soon. There is also likely to be a separate section for issuing NoC from the fire department. Following the Kamala Mills tragedy, the government and the BMC have also postponed the proposal of nightlife up to 5am in Lower Parel, BKC and Marine Drive area on trial basis on Friday and Saturday, according to sources.

The fire department has been giving permission to pubs and bars in a category as office premises by adding a few conditions. Some times fire officials even avoid spot visits. Such negligence towards safety norms has lead to the Kamala Mills tragedy. That is the reason why the permission and fire fighting department will be separated soon, officials said on Sunday. For nightlife in the city, public safety is of utmost importance.

Illegal rooftop eateries have mushroomed in the city in the last few years, many of which organise special shows for people to enjoy pyrotechnics, where they pour wine, beer on fire to creates large flames.

Former chief minister Prithviraj Chavan said, “The government and the BMC should not allow pyrotechnics and game which may cause danger to the life of the people. The chief minister, Mr Devendra Fadnavis has ordered an enquiry in the Kamala Mills tragedy, and he should declare status reports of fire inquires conducted in the last few years, as well as action taken after such enquires.”