1,200 fires in 6 months, BMC orders inspection of malls
Tags : corporation, inspection of mallsPosted: Wed Dec 22 2010, 04:00 hrsMumbai:==============================================================
After the Fire Brigade’s bi-annual fire report revealed that over 1,200 fires have broken out between May and October, the corporators demanded that the force should carry out immediate inspection of malls across the city. The report was presented in the civic standing committee meeting on Tuesday.
Arguing that malls and multiplexes often flout fire safety norms, members said that the fire brigade should start its drive with checking commercial establishments where a large number of people gather and are thus at greater risk. As per the demands of the corporators, the BMC administration said the inspection will be carried out in the next one month to 45 days. Additional Municipal Commissioner Aseem Gupta said random inspections will be carried out in malls to ensure the fire safety procedures are followed and are not just on paper.
“Apart from cylinder blasts at residences, many potentially dangerous fires have taken place in malls including the one at Goyal shopping center in Borivali in February that took the life of one of our firemen. If any lacunas are found in implementation of the fire safety instruments and mechanisms on the part of these commercial establishments, due action will be taken against the owner. We will not hesitate to revoke the no objection certificate and the occupation certificate if they fail to comply,” said Aseem Gupta.
When the BMC hands over NOCs and OCs, the fire brigade’s permission is required after the latter checks if adequate fire fighting equipment are procured and fire safety norms are followed.
While corporators came down heavily on the BMC for not undertaking timely inspections, chief fire officer Uday Tatkare said 98 per cent of the total fire incidents were of a minor nature.
“The figures may seem huge, but 98 per cent of these incidents are minor fires and this has been the trend since a long time. In fact, last year the number of incidents were way over 3,000. But now that we have the power of prosecution under the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, we will penalise the offenders,” said Tatkare.
The 1,200 blazes in the six months left one person dead and 15 people injured. “Inspection is not enough. The fire brigade should present a report on how many persons or organisations were found guilty and what action was taken against them,” said Shiv Sena corporator Rajul Patel.
When the BMC hands over NOCs and OCs, the fire brigade’s permission is required after the latter checks if adequate fire fighting equipment are procured and fire safety norms are followed.
While corporators came down heavily on the BMC for not undertaking timely inspections, chief fire officer Uday Tatkare said 98 per cent of the total fire incidents were of a minor nature.
“The figures may seem huge, but 98 per cent of these incidents are minor fires and this has been the trend since a long time. In fact, last year the number of incidents were way over 3,000. But now that we have the power of prosecution under the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, we will penalise the offenders,” said Tatkare.
The 1,200 blazes in the six months left one person dead and 15 people injured. “Inspection is not enough. The fire brigade should present a report on how many persons or organisations were found guilty and what action was taken against them,” said Shiv Sena corporator Rajul Patel.
(indian express)======================================================
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