Mumbai Fire Brigade Targets Unsafe Malls

In a significant enforcement action, the Mumbai Fire Brigade has initiated a crackdown on several malls across the city following the identification of critical fire safety deficiencies. Between May 26 and 30, a comprehensive inspection of 68 malls revealed that 17 of these establishments were non-compliant with essential fire safety regulations. This initiative comes in the wake of a devastating fire incident at the TRP Game Zone in Rajkot, Gujarat, on May 25, which tragically claimed 28 lives, including children, and has underscored the urgent need for stringent safety measures in public spaces.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reported that, while 48 of the inspected malls demonstrated adherence to fire safety standards, the 17 non-compliant malls were issued formal notices, mandating corrective action within a 30-day grace period. Under the provisions of the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Protection Measures Act 2006, failure to rectify the deficiencies within this timeframe could lead to serious legal repercussions for the respective mall managements. This proactive response from the BMC highlights an essential shift towards prioritising safety in high-traffic areas, ensuring that the tragic events of Rajkot are not repeated in Mumbai.

In an alarming separate incident, the Fire Brigade has deemed the Malad West-based M/s The Mall unsafe following a fire on its premises. Legal proceedings against its management have been initiated, including the suspension of power and water supply to the establishment. Such decisive actions signal the seriousness with which the authorities are addressing safety violations and underscore the imperative for mall operators to take responsibility for the safety of their patrons.