Mumbai: Fire brigade reverses action against CCI, returns 20 ‘legal’ gas cylinders

MUMBAI: After seizing 40 LPG cylinders from the premises of Cricket Club of India (CCI) at Churchgate for alleged illegal use on January 10, the Mumbai Fire Brigade returned 20 of the cylinders the very next day. Fire officials said the club had permission for 20 cylinders, but the management had failed to produce the no-objection certificate (NOC) on the day of the inspection.

The action was taken by BMC’s ward-level compliance cell to conduct checks on eateries and other commercial establishments. Each cell comprises a fire officer, a health officer, a police officer and a designated officer.

In the order to release the 20 gas cylinders, a copy of which is available with TOI, the fire department pointed out to violations under the Fire Safety Act 2006—all cylinders were kept in one room. Chief fire officer PS Rahangdale confirmed that 20 gas cylinders have been given back to CCI. “They had the permission...but all gas cylinders were found in one cabin.”

After CCI authorities informed the fire brigade it had obtained NOC for the gas cylinders in January 2015, verbal directions were issued for their release on January 11.

“...permission is given for 10 in use and 10 in spare for LPG cylinders in one gas cabin and 10+10 in other gas cabin, but the owner had kept all gas cylinders in one cabin,” stated the order signed by the medical health officer of A ward which covers Colaba, Cuffe Parade, Nariman Point, Churchgate, Fort areas. “The owner is instructed...to submit the required documents for fire compliance as per the type and quality of fuel used...” said the order.

But CCI authorities said the fire department should have sent a notice prior to undertaking the inspection on January 10, so that they could have kept all documents ready. They added that they have permission for the remaining 20 cylinders too.