Wide powers for BMC special fire cell

On Friday, Municipal Commissioner Ajoy Mehta announced that a special fire safety and compliance cell – with 34 officers – has been formed with wide-ranging powers to inspect, and even seal, errant restaurants without prior notice. DNA had reported on December 31 that BMC is forming an exclusive cell to inspect and take action against commercial structures that are not fire safety compliant. From Monday, BMC will also resume action against establishments flouting fire safety norms.

The demolition drive was a response to the Kamala Mills Compound fire that killed 14 in December.

Last week, BMC demolished illegal additions of more than 600 restaurants across the city and also sealed around 15 restaurants.

Speaking about the fire safety cell, an official said, "It is need of the hour to have an exclusive department to inspect irregularities, take action and also follow up on cases filed against defaulters. As of now, we inform the respective BMC ward office about the prosecution of defaulters and following up these cases becomes difficult. Fire safety officers will now ensure that legal action is taken against the defaulters."

However, experts are wary of the powers given to the cell, fearing it opens up yet another door to corruption. Chandrashekhar Prabhu, an urban development expert, said, "If it is a squad for enforcement of fire rules, it is welcome.

But instead of helping the common man, it should not help violators and be a misuse of power. It should not become an extortion racket."