In response to the Chembur Fire, which lost seven lives, Maharashtra’s High Court is urging for stronger fire safety laws to protect citizens and prevent repeat catastrophes, particularly in high-rise buildings.

On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, the High Court asked the competent authorities and the UDCPR to develop a schedule for the implementation of fire safety standards within the state to ensure the safety of its residents. The tragic loss of seven lives in the Chembur Fire Incident highlights the critical need for more severe laws, particularly regarding man-made disasters. The first draft of fire safety regulations was produced in 2009, following the 26/11 terrorist attacks in Mumbai. The High Court has already required the state administration to develop and enforce fire safety rules and regulations by December 2023. This direction was issued during the course of a public interest litigation launched by Counsel Abha Singh in 2019.

The High Court has ordered swift action in the issuance of fire safety notices. Failure to comply may result in the court ordering a halt to all building plan approvals in the city. Whereas the Maharashtra State Government has made great efforts to improve citizen safety. The state has implemented more stringent policies, such as the integration of IoT systems, the deployment of Quick Response Vehicles, the installation of Fire Evacuation Lifts, and the recent proposal for fire training simulators, which is especially relevant in an era when high-rise buildings dominate the landscape.

According to last year’s data, Maharashtra has 6,712 high-rise buildings and 378 skyscrapers, with Mumbai accounting for 3,629 high-rise structures and 362 skyscrapers.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has repeatedly urged relevant ministries to prioritise fire safety legislation. Following the Chembur fire, he promised a thorough inquiry to discover the cause. During the Monsoon Assembly Session of 2024, he expressed worries over fire safety, pointing out that Mumbai has had nearly 13,000 fire incidents in the last three years, resulting in 65 deaths. He emphasised the urgent necessity to establish fire evacuation lifts in buildings taller than 70 meters.

The Chief Fire Officer of Mumbai has consistently emphasised the importance of the people following fire safety standards. He emphasised the need of public knowledge in fire safety, claiming that individuals’ safety is dependent on their actions. Citizens can significantly reduce the risk of loss of life and property by following specified standards and using fire extinguishers appropriately.

In 2018, the fire department, in collaboration with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and based on recommendations from PEATA and MCHI, mandated that Fire Evacuation Lifts be installed as essential safety features in high-rise buildings to facilitate faster life-saving responses during fire emergencies. In July 2022, the Maharashtra Energy Department amended the regulations and issued an advice with specifications to avoid fraudulent fabrication of this vital equipment. This rule was later integrated into the UDCPR and is currently being reviewed by the Bureau of Indian Standards for potential inclusion in the National Building Code.

Buildings must also have fire safety measures such as water tanks, power tanks, hose pipes, fire drills, fire extinguishers, evacuation drills, water sprinklers, and fire pumps.

As the court prepares to decide today on the deadline for finalising the notification regarding fire safety laws, it is critical to impose stricter requirements to prevent tragedies like the Chembur Fire.