The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Mumbai Fire Brigade have demolished unauthorised structures, seized LPG cylinders and issued notices to 31 establishments found violating fire safety regulations, including Bar Stock Exchange in Kamala Mills Compound.
The action followed after the BMC and fire brigade inspected 377 establishments for fire safety compliance in the last four days.
Joint inspections
For the past month, the BMC and fire brigade have cranked up fire safety inspections at residential and commercial premises. The municipal commissioner had given orders to this effect ahead of the first anniversary of the Kamala Mills Compound tragedy on December 29 and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
In the four days up to Monday, the teams inspected 377 establishments across 24 wards. They found violations in 31 of those, which included encroachment or obstacles to fire exits and excessive storage of LPG cylinders.
“Some violations were found despite stringent directives issued weeks ago. Demolition was done by the ward authorities for encroachment or alterations, while LPG cylinders were seized under Section 4 of the Fire Act,” Chief Fire Officer P.S. Rahangdale said.
One of the most prominent establishments where violations were found was Bar Stock Exchange inside Kamala Mills premises. “On Saturday, we found that they had created a seating facility on the rooftop. The establishment did not have a licence under the rooftop policy. That is why we issued a notice, and the seating was removed on Sunday,” Dr. Devendra Golhar, Medical Officer of Health, G South ward, said.
Other prominent spots
The other prominent establishments that faced action included Wilson, Catholic and Mafatlal gymkhanas on Marine Drive, Neel Yog Mall in Ghatkopar, Maratha Mandal and Samruddhi Hall in Mulund.
“About 17 LPG cylinders have been seized from my ward as they were in excess of the permissible limit and could be be a fire hazard,” V.P. Mote, Assistant Municipal Commissioner of D ward, said.
Sunil Sardar, Assistant Municipal Commissioner, C ward, where Catholic and Wilson gymkhana are located, said, “The gymkhanas were found to have stored more LPG cylinders than permissible. That is why we took action. Inspection will continue as per orders.”