Amid rising concerns over fire safety after repeated blazes at Mumbai’s Link Square Mall and Dream Mall in Bhandup, the Maharashtra government has ordered all malls across the state to undergo mandatory fire safety audits within 90 days. Failure to comply will result in immediate disconnection of electricity and water supply, warned Minister Uday Samant while addressing the State Legislative Council.
Responding to a question by MLC Kripal Tumane, Samant emphasized zero tolerance for negligence, adding that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has already taken action by shutting down Dream Mall over safety violations. He directed all Class B, C, and D municipal corporations to begin strict verification of fire safety compliance in malls, with enforcement under the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006.
The move comes after multiple MLCs, including Leader of Opposition Ambadas Danve, Abhijit Wanjarri, and Manisha Kayande, raised concerns over irregularities in granting fire No Objection Certificates (NOCs). They cited several mall fires in Mumbai—including incidents at Bandra’s Link Square Mall, Orchid Central Mall, and Prime Mall—highlighting non-functional fire suppression systems and questioning civic authorities’ enforcement of safety norms.
In a written reply, the Urban Development Department confirmed firefighting systems were non-functional at several malls, including Link Square Mall, Dream Mall, Orchid Central Mall, and Prime Mall. While systems have since been restored at Orchid Central and Prime Mall, Dream Mall and Link Square Mall remain shut, with legal action underway.
The government clarified that it is the mall owners’ legal responsibility to maintain operational fire safety systems and conduct biannual audits, as mandated by law. The Mumbai Fire Brigade continues random inspections and takes punitive measures against properties failing to meet safety standards, the reply added.
