Mumbai: Without NOC, several hotels in Mira Road & Bhayandar are sitting ducks

Bhayandar: A Kamala Mills type tragedy is likely to occur anytime in the twin-city as several eateries and lodges here are reportedly operating sans the mandated No Objection Certificates (NOC) from the fire brigade department of the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation.

The fire safety manual mandates all commercial as well as residential buildings above a height of 15 meters or more to obtain NOCs. Besides this, they have to maintain all preventive measures like fire extinguishers and alternate stairs to deal with fire mishaps and opportunity to exit from the place. According to official statistics, 89 eateries and 51 lodges have been awarded fire safety NOCs. However, the ground reality paints a grim picture.

As per police sources, there are nearly 72 lodges which fall under the Mira Road division of the Thane (rural) police, this apart from hundreds of small time unregistered eateries which exposes their brazenness of playing with lives of approaching clientele.

Also read: Mumbai Kamala Mills Fire: BMC’s marathon demolition drive against illegal joints continues

“Our count of lodges is based upon the 15 meter rule, but since several restaurants and resorts have attached rooms to their premises for accommodation, they have been inspected for fire safety but have apparently been counted as lodges by other law enforcing agencies. However, we are into the process of re-verifying the status of each and every establishment and will take strict action against those who have failed to comply with fire safety norms and certification,” said a fire brigade official.

Starting off with a provisional NOC on condition that they will install the necessary equipment, some establishment owners come  for a permanent one, other applicants install safety apparatus but just for the sake of procuring occupancies. All  are required to renew their NOCs annually and send a midyear compliance report to the administration which is rarely followed, sources revealed.