Housing minister calls for fire safety meet with BMC, Mhada, fire brigade

The civic body, Mumbai fire brigade and Mhada will discuss fire safety in old cessed and dilapidated buildings in a meeting called by minister of state for housing Ravindra Waikar on Thursday. The fire brigade will have to come up with its take on the norms to be applied to such buildings until they are slated for redevelopment.

Waikar, who, along with BMC, fire brigade and Mhada officials, visited the area said there has to be a policy that proves as a win-win situation for both, the government and residents. He met the area's residents and heard their concerns.

He also suggested that if the BMC agrees Mhada can meticulously develop residential complexes on the present reserved plots and shift the residents to those buildings. This will help in vacating the dilapidated buildings. Then, the BMC can demolish the buildings and mark reservations on the plots.

Waikar said the fire brigade's opinion about fire safety and its suggestions on necessary measures to be implemented in old buildings will be given importance. "Fire brigade will have to give the report on how bad the situation is in the city in context with the old buildings vis-a-vis fire safety measures," he added.

The minister also said residents don't want to leave south Mumbai, which is the heart of the city, and go to suburbs. They cling on to the old structures at risk to their lives. Landlords find it difficult to manage the repairs and maintenance at the low rent rates. This forms as vicious circle, he added.