2,942 buildings violated fire safety norms

Mumbai: During a three-year period from 2015 to 2018 (September), fire safety violations have been found in 2,942 establishments in Mumbai. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has prosecuted 18 of these establishments for not taking necessary measures to correct these irregularities.

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis informed the state Legislative Assembly on Tuesday that 5,804 establishments in the BMC jurisdiction were inspected for fire safety from the year 2015 to 2018 (September). Of them, fire safety violations were found in as many as 2,942 establishments, which amounts to nearly 50 per cent.

“The BMC served notices to these establishments under the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act 2006 asking them to correct the violations. Of them, 2,924 establishments have carried out the necessary corrections within the stipulated time. The 18 establishments, which failed to make corrections, have been prosecuted by the BMC,” said Mr Fadnavis replying to the issue raised by Shiv Sena MLA Ajay Chaudhari about the Crystal Tower fire at Hindmata, Parel.

Mr Fadnavis said that 300 people have died and 1,045 have been injured due to fire incidents in Mumbai city and suburbs in last six years.

To check fire safety violations, the Mumbai Fire Brigade has formed fire safety implementation cell, which examines various establishments. The cell officials, along with the help of building and factory and public health departments, examine restaurants, hotels, and other eateries in their jurisdiction. If any irregularities found, the concerned establishments are served notices asking to correct them. If they are still not altered within the stipulated deadline, legal action will be taken against them.

According to state officials, the establishments should carry out inspection of their fire safety measures twice a year (in January and July).