Mumbai: Less than 2 per cent buildings have submitted fire report to BMC

The concrete jungle in Mumbai continues to grow with high-rises and with them rise issues such as fire safety. But it is learnt that only 907 housing societies from approximately 50,000 buildings (over 32 metres height - (10 storeys) in the city, have uploaded their fire-fighting measures certificates on the BMC portal this year. These certificates are mandatory for buildings over 32 metres high. The Mumbai fire brigade has appealed to such housing societies to upload their certificates.

Almost all parts of Mumbai have skyscrapers (more than 32 metres in height - 10 storeys) but the BMC doesn't have the exact number of buildings in the city. "It may be around 40,000 to 50,000," said an official from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Over 20 people were injured in the fire at Sachinam Heights at Tardeo in 2022. File pic

As per Section 3 (1) of Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Saving Measures Act 2006, it has been made mandatory to obtain half-yearly certificate (Specimen B) twice a year in the month of January and July from a licensed agent, that the fire-fighting system installed in the building or part of the building, is in good and efficient condition. The owner/occupant of the building is also instructed to submit (upload) the said certificate on the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation website (https://portal.mcgm.gov.in). The Mumbai fire brigade has appealed to societies to upload the data. But even after four months, the fire brigade has received only 907 online submissions from such buildings across the city.

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'For regular check-ups'

"A few societies even submit papers. But 907 is a very low number. It is important to have a working fire-fighting system in buildings. It contains the spread of fires and saves lives. The certification is necessary so that the buildings get regular checkups of their system," said Sanjay Manjrekar, CFO of Mumbai Fire Brigade. Manjrekar has also informed that the owners/occupants of buildings or establishments which have not submitted the certificate will be liable for action.

Another official from the fire brigade said that it is necessary for buildings to have a working fire-fighting system and its personnel should be trained on how to operate it. When there was a second fire incident in Avighna Tower at Currey Road in December 2022, the security guards had already started the fire-fighting system and the fire did not spread.

But he added that the fire brigade doesn't have the manpower to act against the rest of the societies.

Reveal the details

"Why doesn't the fire brigade make the information of buildings which filed certificates open to all? It will help citizens act if their societies are not on the list. Secondly, the fire brigade claims that they don't have enough manpower to inspect each and every building, but why can't they take strong action like filing FIRs against societies with random checking? Stern action against a few defaulters will result in more awareness," said Anil Galgali, an activist.

Major incidents due to electrical short circuit

2021 A fire broke out on the 19 th floor of Avighna Tower at Currey Road. A security guard who went to save others lost his life.
2021 A fire broke out on November 6 in Hansa Heritage killing two women and injuring five residents in this Kandivli building.
2022 In all nine people died in Sachinam Heights at Tardeo in a fire in January.