20190503 Fire-fighting system at Navi Mumbai tower was defunct, says fire chief
India May 03 2019 “Building”
Dead : dead 0 or unknown Burnout : 0 or unknown Injured : injured 0 or unknown
Fire-fighting system at Navi Mumbai tower was defunct, says fire chief
Updated: 2019–05–03
NAVI MUMBAI: Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation fire brigade head J C Patil said the fire-fighting system at Mahavir Plaza was not working, while the building’s fire NOC had not been renewed.
Patil told TOI, “There were several hurdles for fire brigade personnel when they rushed to Mahavir Plaza in Sector 19, to douse a fire on the topmost (22nd) floor on Tuesday evening. The tower’s fire-fighting system (such as emergency water sprinkler system) was not working. Fire engines and the Bronto Skylift could not enter the complex due to haphazard parking of cars near the main gate and the narrow road. We had to request Navi Mumbai traffic police to remove all parked cars so that the fire brigade could do its work.”
Fire brigade officials said the tower’s fire NOC had not been renewed for two years, which was serious. “Since the Bronto Skylift could not enter the premises, firemen had to climb up to the 22nd floor and use hammers to break into the locked flat to douse the fire,” said another fire official. The diesel generator system did not start automatically once the main power supply was switched off too. Patil added that he was sending the full fire report to NMMC higher-ups for action.
Housing society secretary Shankar Lala said the builder handed over charge in July 2018 and they were taking care of all systems. Many residents had told mediapersons that they were forced to park cars on the road, as most of the parking space was given away for commercial use.
NMMC commissioner Ramaswami N said, “I have been told that the building’s parking space is being used as a hall and a hospital. I have told my officials to check with the town planning department about the original building plans. If there are irregularities on alleged commercial use, we will take strong action.”
RTI activist Anarjit Chauhan said, “NMMC should take strong action against its senior officials if illegalities are proven. Many officials ignore irregularities due to political pressure or other reasons, which can hamper public safety.”
Assistant director of town planning O S Momin said, “Once my department gives the OC, our job is done.”
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