City mandals asked to raise fire-compliant pandals

Mumbai: In the wake of growing fire mishaps in the city, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has asked Ganesh Mandals to be extra cautious to prevent such incidents during the festival. The civic body has directed the Mandals to keep their pandals and gates fire compliant.

“The Ganesh mandals should make sure that the pandals and gates for entry and exit are set up by strictly following the fire safety rules. In case of fire, a separate exit route should also be made available. They also have to ensure that the route is not used for other purposes,” said a senior civic official.

According to officials of the Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti (BSGSS), several major mandals have already implemented fire safety measures like making available fire extinguishers and ambulances.

“We have asked all mandals to follow strictly fire safety measures . In case of smaller mandals, water and stand is stored to douse fire. Electricians  are also employed at these mandals,” said Narendra Dahibavkar, BGGSS president.

The fire brigade has issued detailed fire safety requirements for Ganesh mandals to prevent mishaps during the festival. The rules require mandals to ensure the pandal is 10 feet away from a building, offer unhindered access to fire engines, appoint fire marshals, and not burst firecrackers near pandals. The onus will be on organisers to ensure the rules are complied with through an undertaking to the BMC.

If the mandals do not comply with the directives, action will be taken against them under the Fire Act, 2006, said a senior civic official.