Mumbai Fire brigade takes action against 31 structures for flouting norms

Following five deaths in Chembur's Sargam building fire, the Mumbai Fire Brigade inspected around 377 structures across the city and took action against 31 of them. In the action carried out in the last three days, some prominent places such as the Wilson Gymkhana, Mafatlal Gymkhana, Catholic Gymkhana, Niel Yog Mall Ghatkopar, and Kamla Mills Bar Stock Exchange were targeted.

After repeated incidents of fires in high rises and restaurants, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) fire brigade department inspected structures for fire compliance from December 27 to December 30. According to available data, around 9 per cent of structures didn't comply with fire norms. In the last three and a half years, 57 per cent of buildings turned to be non-compliant with fire norms. This was remarkably low than the previous years.

Of the 377 structures inspected, 346 structures were found to be complying with fire safety norms. The MFB also demolished two restaurants, removed encroachments/ obstacles of 15, seized 123 cylinders, gave inspection report to two, and issued a notice to one.

"As per the direction of the municipal commissioner, we conducted a joint inspection at malls, multiplex, eateries, and buildings across the city," said Prabhat Rahangdale, CFO, Mumbai Fire Brigade.

In this year alone, the fire brigade has inspected more than 32,000 structures. These structures include residential buildings, restaurant, commercial establishments, malls, cinema halls, etc. Out of these, MFB has served notices to 17,730 structures for non-compliance. The MFB has started legal proceedings in 9,407 cases and sealed 32 premises.