Maharashtra issues special fire safety regulations

October 15, 2024: Maharashtra’s fire safety regulations are under scrutiny by the Bombay High Court following the devastating Chembur Fire Incident that claimed seven lives. The court has directed authorities to establish a timeline for implementing stricter fire safety regulations to protect citizens from man-made disasters. The Bombay High Court warned that if the state government failed to enforce fire safety norms, it might halt all development permissions in Mumbai.

In response, the Maharashtra government on Friday October 11, 2024 informed the court that it has issued final notifications to enforce fire safety norms for vulnerable buildings in Mumbai and Maharashtra.

Under the amendment, these buildings would be required to make special provisions for fire towers having a minimum two-hour fire resistance, firemen evacuation lift, and a ventilated lobby as an integral part of the fire escape staircase.

High-rise buildings with heights of 90 meters or above should provide break tanks with fire pumps every 65 meters from the ground. The water tank system may be provided on service floors or the floors having refuge areas.

These regulations aim to prevent tragedies like the 2018 Crystal Palace tower fire in Parel, where four people died and 27 were injured due to inadequate fire safety measures. The high court has emphasized the need for fire safety regulations and fireman evacuation lifts in high-rise buildings.

The notification would include security rules in Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR), 2034, for Greater Mumbai and Unified Development Control And Promotion Regulations (UDCPR) for the rest of Maharashtra.

The Maharashtra chief minister, Eknath Shide has consistently urged the relevant departments to prioritise fire safety regulations. 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.

After the continuous delay from the government, the court has scheduled further hearings for November 20 and directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s chief fire officer to file an affidavit addressing allegations of lax fire safety approvals.

The bench said that these notifications will be published in the official gazette and strictly implemented by all planning and civic authorities in the state.

Background on high-rise buildings fire safety regulations

The Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006, outlines fire safety requirements for multi-storeyed buildings, including regular certifications and inspections. 

The state has 6,712 high-rise buildings and 378 skyscrapers, with Mumbai accounting for 3,629 high-rise structures and 362 skyscrapers. 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.