Fire safety management in high rises is inadequate

29 May 2024 CW Team

Fire safety management in high rises is inadequate because lifts cannot be used during a fire and getting down stairways can be difficult. Also, the rule requiring 6 metres of open space on three sides and access in the front for fire engines is often not followed in redevelopment projects and smaller buildings in Mumbai. Once a building is constructed, space for fire exits cannot be created.

The term ‘Caveat emptor’ under the Contract Act means “Buyer Beware” so the sale of goods is the buyer’s responsibility but in a complicated thing like housing it is the responsibility of the agency which passes these approvals. It is not clear who is responsible for ensuring that fire safety rules are followed during construction and after occupancy.

Rules exist on paper but it is unclear who ensures that they are implemented. How can a buyer ensure all norms are followed in a complex building project? Whose responsibility is it to enforce the fire safety rules and norms? What is the penalty for illegal construction and how does it help the victims? How does a penalty matter to people who lost their lives or to relatives of people who've lost their lives? How can compliance with rules regarding sprinklers, smoke detectors, fire exits, etc, be ensured after occupancy? My concern is over who's in charge of ensuring rules are followed because the damage is invariably loss of life.

- Naushad Panjwani, Chairman, Mandarus Partners

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

InsideFPV Delivers ₹10 Crore Kamikaze Drone Order Under MoD’s EPR Route

InsideFPV, a Surat-based drone technology manufacturer, has successfully executed a ₹10 crore defence contract to supply indigenous kamikaze drones under the Ministry of Defence’s Emergency Procurement Route (EPR). The company completed the delivery of hundreds of FPV kamikaze drone platforms within a rapid two-month timeframe, highlighting its ability to meet urgent military procurement timelines.The supply orders were fulfilled under the emergency procurement mechanism, which is aimed at fast-tracking acquisitions for immediate operational needs. InsideFPV’s quick execution reflects it..

Vedanta Resources Secures Fitch Upgrade to ‘BB-’, Best Rating Since 2015

Vedanta Resources Limited (VRL), a global player in metals, oil & gas, critical minerals, power and technology, has received a credit rating upgrade from Fitch Ratings, marking its strongest bond rating in over a decade.Fitch has raised Vedanta Resources’ Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘BB-’ from ‘B+’, while maintaining a Stable Outlook. The agency also upgraded VRL’s senior unsecured rating, along with the ratings of US dollar-denominated bonds issued by Vedanta Resources Finance II Plc and guaranteed by VRL, to ‘BB-’.The upgrade represents Vedan..

NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter Launched

The NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter was recently launched at Excelerate 2026 in Mumbai, marking a key step towards integrating emerging real estate leaders from the National Capital Region with the national platform. The initiative aims to promote sustainable and responsible urban development through collaboration and knowledge exchange.The event brought together young developers, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across NCR, including Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Bhiwadi, and Meerut. Discussions focused on urban development, finance, sustainability, innovation, and policy, emphasisi..