In a recent development, the Maharashtra government has assured the Bombay High Court that new fire safety regulations will be in place by May 20, 2024. This update comes in response to a Public Interest Litigation filed by petitioner and advocate Abha Singh, who has been pushing for the enforcement of draft rules issued in 2009 following the 26/11 terror attack in Mumbai.
The state government has pledged to finalize and notify the new fire safety regulations by the specified date. However, during a recent hearing, the bench, comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Arif Doctor, expressed dissatisfaction with the government's delay in implementing the recommendations.
The court highlighted the importance of prompt action, suggesting that the government should have immediately published the recommendations and invited public input after receiving them in February. Additional Government Pleader Jyoti Chavan explained that a meeting on the matter was held on December 4, with the Principal Secretary of the Urban Development Department overseeing the process. Despite assurances, the bench emphasized that earlier action could have expedited the implementation of these crucial regulations.
During the hearing, the Chief Justice expressed concern about the prevalence of short circuits as a leading cause of fires. To address this, the court inquired about the department responsible for electrical safety, with Chavan indicating that the city fire brigade, under the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), oversees this aspect.
Abha Singh's PIL seeks directions for the issuance of the final notification on 'Special Regulations for Buildings Vulnerable to Man-Made Disasters.' In response to the court's direction, BMC has been included as a party in the litigation. The court further instructed the Fire Brigade to provide specific details, including their average response time and the required manpower in each fire station. The next hearing is scheduled for January 30.
This is not the first time the court has criticized the state's approach to fire safety. In a previous hearing, the bench pointed out the lackadaisical attitude towards the matter.
While the Maharashtra government has committed to implementing new fire safety regulations, the court remains vigilant, urging timely action to enhance the safety of buildings vulnerable to man-made disasters. The ongoing litigation underscores the importance of proactive measures to prevent and address fire incidents, emphasizing the need for a collaborative effort between the government, regulatory bodies, and the public.
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