No notice to BMC for flouting fire safety norms

A senior fire official on condition of anonymity said the fire brigade had found several minor and major lapses in the fire fighting system of the municipal headquarters. “The wet-raiser system and the fixed fire fighting installations are not in working condition. Also,there are minor problems in obstructed passageways and there is no water in tankers that can be used in case of any fire mishap,” said the official.

The civic headquarters comprises a heritage wing that is over 125 years old and a six-storey building that is around 35 years old. The heritage building houses the iconic corporation hall and offices of the mayor and the municipal commissioner. The other building comprises civic administrative departments.

“When we started inspecting buildings under the Fire Act,we thought it would be better to see if our own backyard is ready to fight fire. We should secure the headquarters at the earliest,” said the official.

Following the death of one its officers in a fire that broke out at the Goyal Shopping Centre in Borivali,the fire brigade has started inspecting establishments. After inspecting 55 establishments,27 have been found lacking fire safety systems; 18 in eastern suburbs and 11 in western suburbs.

Wockhardt Fortis Hospital in Mulund,Manish market,Lilavati Hospital,Harkisondas Hospital and Big Bazaar in Lower Parel are some of the other establishments that have been served notices. These buildings have to make necessary changes in 30 days failing which the BMC will impose a penalty of Rs.50,000 on them.