BMC suggests mandatory electrical audit for fully occupied buildings in Mumbai

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), post the recent One Avighna Park fire incident, has decided to push for a mandatory electrical audit of buildings which are fully occupied in the city. The decision was taken at the meeting held on Wednesday, October 27, 2021, and officials confirmed that the civic body will soon be sending the communication to the state Public Works Department (PWD) requesting the same to be implemented.

The fire incident reported at Mumbai’s Currey Road claimed one life, but also raised several concerns faced by officials from different departments. As per the current plan, the BMC will ask the PWD to appoint a panel of consultants to conduct and evaluate the electrical audit to avoid such incidents. Authorities said that the audit can be conducted twice a year, however, electrical audit cannot be made mandatory under law, and hence the concerned department should make a necessary provision for the same.

The standing committee meeting was attended by several officials including Additional Municipal Commissioner, Ashwini Bhide, who said that there is no provision made for electrical audits of the fully occupied buildings, and observing the need, the PWD will be approache to empanel consultants thereby making the same mandatory.

The need was identified after the fire department noted that the fire-fighting system at the location did not start during the fire, despite being operational. This led to intense fire at the location. However, had the same operated on time, the team could have controlled the blaze in the initial stages and necessary action could have been taken.

She added that the fire department is efficient today and has been conducting mock drills and building inspections to ensure safety at all times. Further, the department had also proposed to buy 24 fire bikes for INR 3 crore which will help the rescue team reach congested and narrow locations, in a timely manner, thereby handle the crisis efficiently. The proposal for this project has been approved by the authorities, and the department will ensure all 24 bikes are made available for the city, one per ward.

These bikes will be customized with water tank, hose pipe, etc., making it useful during the need.