In Mumbai, 79 establishments found violating fire safety norms
With the city's hotels, bars and pubs witnessing huge gatherings and influx of people, the BMC on December 23 kicked off a special drive to inspect fire safety measures across establishments.
According to officials, the Mumbai Fire Brigade along with staffers from the building and fire department have inspected across 1221 establishments till Saturday morning. (Getty file photo)
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) ongoing inspection drive, launched in light of the upcoming new year celebrations and in the aftermath of the fatal Goa pub blaze, has revealed that at least 79 establishments in Mumbai are non-compliant with fire safety norms. Having inspected 1221 establishments which include eateries, pubs, five star hotels as well as malls, the civic body has taken action against 59 establishments while 20 establishments have been slapped with notices.
With the city’s hotels, bars and pubs witnessing huge gatherings and influx of people, the BMC on December 23 kicked off a special drive to inspect fire safety measures across establishments. The drive was prompted in wake of the blaze at a Goa pub in which 25 people were killed.
According to officials, the Mumbai Fire Brigade along with staffers from the building and fire department have inspected across 1221 establishments till Saturday morning. Of the total establishments, at least 10 malls, 148 pubs and clubs, 628 restaurants, 12 party halls, 25 five star hotels and five gymkhanas were inspected.
During the inspection, the team initiated action against 59 establishments for violating fire safety norms while 20 were served with notices. Besides this, the authorities also initiated action against four establishments for storing an excess of LPG cylinders within their premises.
Meanwhile, 1146 were found complying with the fire safety norms.
Top civic brass said that during the course of the site visits, teams are inspecting premises for an array of fire prevention and life safety measures including whether the fire fighting systems are compliant and operational, changes in configuration or unauthorised constructions amongst other factors. Ahead of the inspection, ward offices issued notices to establishments about the inspection. The fire inspection has been initiated under the sections of Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act of 2006.
Earlier on December 19, the BMC had served a notice to the National Sports Club of India (NSCI) in Worli over lapses and non-compliance over fire safety measures within the premises.
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The special fire safety campaign is slated to continue until December 28, following which the Mumbai Fire Brigade will resume its regular action. Ahead of the new year’s revelries, the BMC directed eateries to adhere to all necessary measures pertaining to fire safety.
Fire breaks out in Andheri’s City mall
A fire broke out at Andheri’s City mall near the PVR cinema on Saturday afternoon. No injuries were reported in the blaze.
The incident was reported at 2.20 pm near the PVR cinema situated at City Mall along the new link road in Andheri West. According to officials, the fire remained confined to an electrical duct located at the south-west corner of the mall on the third floor level. While the fire sent plumes of thick smoke bellowing into the air, the flames did not spread outside the affected parameter.
As the fire was reported, the Mumbai Fire Brigade pressed three fire engines, two jumbo tankers, an aerial water tower tender as well as a breathing apparatus van at the site. Besides, MFB agencies like police, ward staffers and ambulances were also deployed to the site.
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The fire was doused within an hour by 3.03 pm, with officials maintaining no injuries in the case. The cause of the blaze is yet to be ascertained.
Nayonika Bose is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express’ Mumbai bureau. While in the early stages of her career, her focused reporting on local governance and community welfare already demonstrates clear Expertise and Trustworthiness in covering essential civic issues impacting Mumbai's residents.
Expertise & Authority (E-E-A-T)
Specialized Focus: Nayonika's reporting is dedicated to civic and community issues, providing readers with highly relevant, ground-level information about the functionality and administration of India's largest metropolitan area.
Core Coverage Areas: Her articles highlight a strong focus on the fundamental quality of life and public safety in Mumbai, including:
Civic Infrastructure: Reports on critical failures and initiatives related to public works, such as the recurring problem of unauthorized building collapses in Navi Mumbai, the construction of new infrastructure projects (like the Dahisar-Bhayandar Link Road and the Mahalaxmi cable-stayed bridge), and the maintenance of essential city services (e.g., manhole cover theft).
Urban Governance & Crisis Management: Provides detailed coverage of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) response to major crises, particularly during the monsoon (e.g., heavy rainfall, water cuts, and public health concerns like dengue and malaria) and large-scale public safety incidents (e.g., the hoarding collapse fallout).
Community Welfare & Rights: Reports on key social issues, including the financial aid scheme for persons with disabilities, the struggles of Mumbai's hawkers protesting eviction drives, and the dangers faced by workers due to the continuation of manual scavenging in water tanks.
Cultural & Heritage Reporting: Covers significant community stories, including the restoration of British-era fountains and the history of institutions like the 126-year-old Chinchpokli cemetery, showing a breadth of interest beyond pure administration.
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