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

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