On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, the High Court directed the relevant authorities and the UDCPR to establish a timeline for the implementation of fire safety regulations within the state to ensure the protection of its citizens. The tragic loss of seven lives in the Chembur Fire Incident underscores the urgent need for more stringent regulations, particularly concerning man-made disasters. The initial draft of fire safety regulations was released in 2009 following the 26/11 terrorist attacks in Mumbai. The High Court has already directed the state government to formulate and implement Fire Safety Rules and Regulations in December 2023. This directive arose during the proceedings of a public interest litigation initiated by advocate Abha Singh in 2019.
The High Court has mandated prompt action regarding the issuance of fire safety notifications. Failure to comply may result in the court considering a halt to all building plan approvals within the city. Whereas, the Maharashtra State Government has made significant efforts to enhance citizen safety. The state has introduced more rigorous policies, including the integration of IoT systems, the deployment of Quick Response Vehicles, the implementation of Fire Evacuation Lifts, and the recent proposal for fire training simulators, particularly relevant in an era where high-rise buildings dominate the landscape.
According to last year’s data, Maharashtra is home to 6,712 high-rise buildings and 378 skyscrapers, with Mumbai alone accounting for 3,629 high-rise structures and 362 skyscrapers.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has consistently urged the relevant departments to prioritize fire safety regulations. Following the Chembur fire incident, he pledged a thorough investigation to determine the fire’s cause. During the Monsoon Assembly Session of 2024, he raised concerns regarding fire safety, highlighting that Mumbai has experienced approximately 13,000 fire incidents in the last three years, which have resulted in 65 deaths. He underscored the urgent need for the installation of fire evacuation lifts in buildings exceeding 70 meters in height.
The Chief Fire Officer of Mumbai has repeatedly emphasized the necessity for the public to adhere to fire safety regulations. He underscored the critical role of public awareness in fire safety, asserting that the safety of individuals is dependent on their behaviors. By following established guidelines and properly using fire extinguishers, citizens can greatly mitigate the risk of loss of life and property.
In 2018, the fire department, in partnership with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and based on recommendations from PEATA and MCHI, mandated that Fire Evacuation Lifts be incorporated as essential safety features in high-rise buildings to facilitate quicker life-saving responses during fire emergencies. In July 2022, the Maharashtra Energy Department revised the regulations and issued an advisory along with specifications aimed at preventing the fraudulent production of this critical equipment. This requirement was subsequently incorporated into the UDCPR and is currently under evaluation by the Bureau of Indian Standards for possible inclusion in the National Building Code.
In addition to Fire Evacuation Lifts, buildings must be equipped with fire safety measures, such as Water Tanks, Power Tanks, Hose Pipes, Fire Drills, Fire Extinguishers, Evacuation Drills, Water Sprinklers, and Fire Pumps.
As the court prepares to deliberate today on the timeline for finalizing the notification regarding fire safety regulations, it is essential to enforce stricter standards to avert tragedies akin to the Chembur Fire.
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