Nagpur: The next time you step into a bar or restaurant in Nagpur, it may be worth checking for basic firefighting equipment before settling in. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation's (NMC) fire and emergency services department has informed the state government that every bar and restaurant inspected in the city was operating without mandatory firefighting systems, putting patrons and staff at risk in case of a fire.
Legislative Assembly Query Triggers Audit
The findings were submitted in response to a Legislative Assembly question on fire safety audits of hotels, bars, and restaurants across Maharashtra. According to the report, Nagpur has 89 hotels and 312 bars and restaurants. Inspections found that 43 hotels lacked mandatory firefighting systems, prompting notices under Section 6 of the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act.
Widespread Non-Compliance in Food and Beverage Sector
The situation was even more concerning in the food and beverage sector. All 312 bars and restaurants inspected were found non-compliant with prescribed fire safety norms and were directed to install the required equipment. Further scrutiny revealed severe deficiencies at several establishments. Thirty hotels and 150 bars and restaurants were declared unsafe under Section 8(1) of the Act.
Enforcement Actions Taken
Subsequently, the fire department requested NMC's water works department and MSEDCL to disconnect water and electricity supply to 17 hotels and 95 bars and restaurants under Section 8(2). It also sought police assistance to evacuate six hotels and six bars and restaurants that allegedly continued operations despite being declared unsafe. Enforcement agencies later sealed two hotels and five bars and restaurants under Section 8(3). The department also asked Nagpur city police to register FIRs against two hotels and one bar under Section 36 of the Act.
Public Safety Concerns
The disclosures raise serious questions about fire safety compliance at establishments frequented by thousands of citizens daily. While these venues continue to attract large crowds, official inspections indicate that many remain ill-prepared to prevent or respond to a fire emergency.
By the Numbers: Nagpur's Fire Safety Crackdown
- 401 hospitality establishments in Nagpur (hotels, bars, and restaurants)
- 355 found lacking mandatory firefighting measures
- 180 declared unsafe
- 7 sealed
- 3 facing criminal action
What Action Can the Fire Department Take?
- Section 6: Notice to remove fire safety deficiencies.
- Section 8(1): Building declared unsafe due to fire risks.
- Section 8(2): Water and electricity connections can be disconnected.
- Section 8(3): Premises can be sealed if violations continue.
- Section 36: Criminal prosecution/FIR against violators.
Key concern: Hundreds of customers visit these establishments daily despite serious fire safety deficiencies flagged by authorities.
