With major fire incidents in Mumbai’s high-rises in the past few months, the Maharashtra state government has passed a new fire bill that is drafted with stringent regulations to follow and a legal framework under which violators can be booked.
Under the bill, a fire safety officer and a supervisor is mandatory for all high rise buildings which are 22 floors and more. Both residential and industrial buildings engaged in hazardous activities are instructed to set an Internet of Things (IoT) enabled fire safety mechanism. The sensor based system will monitor the buildings for any potential fire incident and immediately alert even in case of failure of any fire safety equipment like fire extinguisher, alarm, water sprinkler etc. doesn’t work. Additionally, a bi-annual fire audit is also made compulsory.
The amendment also made suggestions on increasing the height of educational institutions and parking facilities.
Violation of the new safety rules can result in a fine of upto Rs 1 lakh and upto three years of imprisonment.
This bill is an amendment to the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act to make it according to revised National Building Code (NBC) guidelines that was revised by the central government in 2016. Once passed in both houses, the bill will be effective.
