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NEW DELHI: The Maharashtra government on October 11 informed the Bombay High Court that it has issued final notifications to enforce fire safety norms for vulnerable buildings in Mumbai and across the state.

The state government’s fire safety regulations are under scrutiny by the Bombay HC after the Chembur fire that claimed seven lives. The court had ordered authorities to draw up a timetable for implementing stricter fire safety regulations to protect citizens from man-made disasters and warned that if the state government failed to enforce fire safety norms, it could suspend all development permissions in Mumbai.

Under the amendment, these buildings should make special provision for fire towers having a fire resistance of at least two hours, a fire brigade evacuation elevator and a ventilated hall as an integral part of the staircase relief.

High-rise buildings with a height of 90 meters or more must be equipped with emergency tanks equipped with fire pumps every 65 meters above the ground. The water tank system may be provided on service floors or on floors with refuge areas.

The notification would include the security rules of the Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR) 2034 for Greater Mumbai and the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR) for the rest of the state.

After the government’s continued delay, the court scheduled further hearings for November 20, 2024, and ordered the Brihanmumbai Municipality Fire Chief to file an affidavit regarding allegations of laxity in fire safety approvals.

The court said these notifications will be gazetted and strictly implemented by all planning and civic authorities in the state.

Background on fire safety regulations in high-rise buildings:

The Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006, sets out fire safety requirements for multi-storey buildings, including certifications and regular inspections.

The state has 6,712 high-rise buildings and 378 skyscrapers, with Mumbai having 3,629 high-rise buildings and 362 skyscrapers.

In 2018, the fire brigade, in partnership with the Brihanmumbai civic body and based on recommendations from PEATA and MCHI, demanded that fire escape elevators be incorporated as essential safety features in apartment buildings. high height to facilitate faster interventions to save lives in the event of a fire emergency.

In July 2022, the Maharashtra Power Department revised the regulations and issued an advisory along with specifications to prevent fraudulent production of this critical equipment.

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