Mumbai: Almost 1,500 eateries, malls, theaters don't follow fire-safety norms
Last year, a massive blaze at two upscale eateries in Mumbai's Kamala Mills killed 14 people. Yet, it seems commercial establishments across Mumbai are yet to learn their lessons. According to data acquired by the Hindustan Times, a whopping 1,479 commercial establishments in Mumbai, including eateries, malls, and theaters, are yet to comply with fire-safety norms and regulations, making them extremely risky. Here's more.
Only 33% of unsafe places have complied to fire-safety norms
Following the Kamala Mills tragedy, the Mumbai fire department had investigated 3,264 commercial establishments to check compliance with fire-safety norms. The investigations revealed that 1,479, or about 45% of all establishments inspected between January and July 2018 did not follow fire-safety regulations. Despite notices being served, only 489 establishments, or 33% of those found unsafe, complied with norms. Rest of them remain at risk.
The fire brigade had earlier demolished almost 400 eateries
Notably, as part of the crackdown on places that flout fire-safety norms, the fire brigade had demolished 380 unsafe eateries, and had shut down 36 popular night clubs in Bandra and Lower Parel.
Currently, follow-up inspections are underway
Of the 1,497 establishments found to be flouting fire safety norms, 1,395 or 94% were eateries. Among the remaining establishments, 17 were theaters, 8 were malls, and the rest were warehouses or go-downs. Currently, the fire brigade is undertaking follow up inspections to ensure that establishments which were earlier found to be unsafe comply to fire-safety rules and regulations.
Mumbai saw almost 4,800 fires in 2017
"2017 witnessed 4,790 fires across Mumbai, averaging around 13 fires a day. These incidents claimed 30 lives, and yet, several establishments continue to ignore the issue of fire safety," said a senior fire brigade official on the condition of anonymity.
