Nagpur Municipal Corporation's fire audit exposed serious safety lapses, identifying 1,848 high-rise and special buildings lacking firefighting measures, violating Maharashtra's fire safety laws. Among these, 1,286 were declared unsafe, prompting eviction notices. To enforce the eviction, authorities disconnected water and power to 821 buildings, with criminal cases filed against 122 building owners. The audit also revealed alarming data that of the 5,595 buildings, only 903 obtained fire compliance certificates. The police are instructed to act, while district court cases highlight violations, primarily related to missing firefighting arrangements and unauthorized constructions. The situation underscores the critical need for stringent fire safety measures.
Nagpur faces a grave safety crisis as a recent fire audit by the Municipal Corporation's fire and emergency services department unveils severe lapses in over 1800 buildings. Of these, 1,286 structures are officially declared unsafe, prompting immediate eviction notices. The comprehensive audit, conducted collaboratively by staff from nine fire stations across the city, highlights the violation of section 6 of the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Saving Measures Act in 1,848 high-rise and special buildings lacking essential firefighting arrangements.
The crucial need for firefighting provisions in high-rise structures is enough to emphasize the gravity of the situation. Despite this awareness campaign, the shocking data reveals that out of 5,595 buildings, only 903 have acquired fire compliance certificates. Notably, 772 buildings are under construction, indicating potential risks in the absence of adequate safety measures.
To prioritize safety, the fire department has taken stringent actions, directing concerned government departments, including Orange City Water Limited (OCWL) and Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), to disconnect water and power supplies to 821 identified buildings lacking firefighting arrangements. This proactive measure aims to mitigate potential disasters in structures ill-equipped to handle fire emergencies.
The severity of the situation is further underscored by the initiation of criminal proceedings against owners of 122 buildings under section 36 of the Act. The fire department has diligently involved the police department, issuing instructions for swift action.
Simultaneously, five cases have already been filed at the district court. These cases are predominantly related to violations dealing with the absence of firefighting arrangements and deviations from sanctioned construction plans.
This alarming revelation in the audit paints a vivid picture of the urgent need for robust fire safety enforcement. The authorities are navigating a complex landscape, balancing immediate eviction demands, enforcement of safety measures, and legal repercussions against negligent property owners. The situation not only highlights regulatory failures but also emphasizes the need for a comprehensive and stringent approach to building safety, ensuring that citizens are protected from potential disasters in their living spaces.
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