BMC to inspect malls for safety norms

Following a rise in fire incidents, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) today said it will inspect the safety norms at all malls across the metropolis.

"The BMC will inspect all malls within two months to check whether fire safety norms are in place or not," additional municipal commissioner Aseem Gupta said.

However, the civic body has not disclosed the number of mega shopping centres it is going to inspect.

Rules make it mandatory to have fire exits, proper ventilation and installation of fire-fighting equipment among others at these crowded centres.

According to a report by the Fire Brigade Department, the metropolis witnessed 1,237 fire incidents in six months, from May to October. One person died and 15 were injured in these incidents.

The report said an average of 200 fire incidents occurred every month. Most of the fires broke out because of defective electricity system.

According to the report, there were approximately 3,000 fires annually until 2007. But figure increased to 4,000 in 2008 and 5,000 in 2009.

In March this year, following a fire at Goyal Shopping Centre in suburban Borivali, Fire Department pulled up 22 malls and commercial establishments, including Nirmal Lifestyle, Globus, City mall, Orchid, Heera Paana, Big Bazaar and D-mart, for violation of fire safety norms.