In a major crackdown ahead of the New Year festivities, the Mumbai Fire Brigade has conducted extensive safety inspections across the city, targeting establishments that will host celebrations. The special drive aimed at ensuring public safety saw officials scrutinize a total of 2474 venues, including restaurants, shopping malls, gymkhanas, and banquet halls.
Widespread Inspections and Enforcement Actions
The proactive inspection campaign led to regulatory action against numerous establishments found lacking in safety protocols. Authorities issued formal notices to 52 establishments for various violations. Furthermore, the fire brigade initiated concrete action against 122 other venues, bringing the total number of establishments facing consequences to 174. All these enforcement steps were taken under the stringent provisions of the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006.
Comprehensive Fire Safety Guidelines Issued
Alongside the inspections, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) released a detailed fire safety advisory on Monday for event organizers, establishment owners, and citizens. The guidelines mandate that all fire safety equipment, including alarms, extinguishers, sprinkler systems, and risers, must be in perfect working order.
Emergency exits are to be kept completely unobstructed and unlocked at all times, with clear signage guiding people towards them. The advisory specifically targets kitchens, requiring thorough checks of gas connections and electrical wiring, and strictly prohibits the storage of excess LPG cylinders.
Key Bans and Capacity Restrictions
The fire department has imposed several critical restrictions to minimize risk. Entry to any venue must be strictly capped according to its permitted capacity to prevent dangerous overcrowding. A complete ban has been placed on several hazardous activities, including:
- Use of firecrackers, fireworks, or any fire games.
- Smoking and hookah services within event premises.
Organizers have also been instructed to avoid excessive use of highly flammable materials for decoration and to opt for fire-retardant alternatives wherever possible. Compliance with the 2006 state fire act is now mandatory for all.
Advisory for Citizens and Continued Vigilance
For citizens planning to celebrate, the BMC has issued clear advice. People are urged to avoid overcrowded venues, to take a moment to locate emergency exits upon entering a place, and to generally ensure that the establishments they visit are adhering to fire safety norms. The civic body has reiterated that decorative fireworks, smoking, and hookah are prohibited at all celebration spots.
Civic officials confirmed that enforcement teams and the fire brigade will remain on high alert throughout the New Year celebrations to ensure strict adherence to all safety guidelines and to enable a swift response to any emergencies.
