Safety Issues Abound for Malls, Tall Buildings

For those who are paying attention, Thane, India has exploded in development where malls are concerned. A number of big budget malls and shopping complexes have sprung up in recent years, along with numerous housing projects.

However, of concern is the fact that not much has changed in terms of fire safety equipment. In addition, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has failed to have firm stance on rules and regulations pertaining to fire safety. With the monsoon season arriving soon, the civic body is trying to change that by tackling the city’s fire safety issues, but its fire department is short staffed, and their equipment is old. These factors combined make it hard for them to deliver.

A police officer who spoke on the condition of anonymity has said that mall owners and big building societies tend to be careless about fire safety, often settling for fire insurances. He pointed to the inherent hazard involved, since malls can hold up to 6,000 people on a busy day.

The officer added that keeping fire safety equipment has now been made compulsory, but means of implementation are lacking. He added, “We regularly check such new constructions for fire safety. But, once the constructions receive Occupation Certificates (OC), all rules are bent. Now, the civic body made some modifications in the rules, which will make it easier for us to keep a check on them.”