Mumbai high-rise fire reveals non-operational safety systems

Inspection reveals high-rise safety system failures

An inspection by the Mumbai Fire Brigade revealed critical safety deficiencies in a 22-storey high-rise in Dongri, Mumbai, a day after a fire broke out in the building.

Officials found the firefighting system was non-operational, and the building lacked a designated refuge area.

A senior fire brigade officer stated that the building’s management has been asked to provide structural plans, including those for firefighting systems and refuge areas, as mandated by Section 6 of the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006.

The officer said: “A notice will be served to the building on Nov 28, if they are unable to produce the plans.”

Official response to the fire

Mumbai Fire Brigade officials confirmed that immediate measures are being taken to address the issue.

An official said: “Our teams reached the site and found that the fire systems were non-operational.

“We will issue a notice to the building, but have given them time to produce any documentation.”

Amin Patel, Congress MLA for the constituency, called for strict action against those responsible for the lapses.

He said: “The lives of people should be of utmost priority, and any kind of negligence should be dealt with strictly.

“I have already spoken to the authorities to ensure that such an incident isn’t repeated.”

Allegations of illegal construction

Shiv Sena Mahayuti candidate Shaina NC visited the site and raised allegations of illegal construction and safety negligence.

She said: “There is no parking or refuge area in the building.

“We insist on the registration of an offence by the jurisdiction police, Dongri Police, and DCP Zone 1 to take action against the builder and the nexus of illegalities and mafia involved.”

Shaina NC also highlighted the need for a detailed investigation into the lack of firefighting facilities, stating: “Because of such illegal construction, the lives of the poor people are at stake.”

Legislative safety requirements

Under the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006, building owners and occupants are required to ensure fire safety measures are in place and operational.

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in notices, fines, and legal action.

The Dongri high-rise fire incident has drawn attention to the importance of adhering to these safety measures and the consequences of negligence.

Mumbai high-rise fire reveals non-operational safety systems: Summary

An inspection by the Mumbai Fire Brigade after a blaze at a 22-storey Dongri high-rise found that its firefighting system was non-operational, and the building lacked a refuge area.

Officials are demanding structural plans to ensure compliance with the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006.

Notices are set to be issued if documentation is not provided.

Local leaders, including Congress MLA Amin Patel and Shiv Sena Mahayuti candidate Shaina NC, have called for strict action against the builder and alleged illegalities contributing to the building’s deficiencies.