Mumbai’s fire safety preparedness has come under scrutiny following a recent study conducted by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which revealed significant lapses in compliance among the city’s buildings. The study, carried out in 2023, inspected 1,270 buildings and found that 278 of them lacked the necessary fire compliance certificates, raising serious concerns about the safety measures in place.
This information was disclosed by the state government in response to questions posed by Congress member Bhai Jagtap and others regarding the alarming frequency of fire incidents in Mumbai. Over the past three years, the city has experienced 13,000 fire incidents, resulting in 65 fatalities and 473 injuries. The opposition members further inquired if the BMC intended to impose sanctions such as disconnecting water and power supplies to buildings that failed to meet fire safety standards.In a written response, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde confirmed the findings of the BMC study. He stated that the survey identified deficiencies in 278 buildings, which subsequently led the BMC to issue directives mandating the installation of fire evacuation lifts in structures exceeding 70 metres in height. Moreover, the BMC announced that provisional occupation certificates would be granted to buildings that comply with these new requirements.
Fire compliance certificates, issued by the Fire Brigade authorities, are crucial for ensuring that buildings adhere to regulations designed to protect residents from fire hazards. The absence of such certificates in a significant number of buildings underscores the urgent need for enhanced regulatory oversight and enforcement.The revelation has sparked a debate on the effectiveness of current fire safety regulations and the enforcement mechanisms in place. It also highlights the necessity for property owners and developers to prioritise the safety of occupants by ensuring their buildings meet all mandated safety standards.The BMC’s findings have prompted calls for immediate action to address these lapses. Enhanced surveillance, stricter enforcement of regulations, and public awareness campaigns are among the measures being advocated to mitigate the risk of fire-related incidents in Mumbai. As the city continues to grow and develop, ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents must remain a top priority for all stakeholders involved.
