Learning a lesson from the 2017 Kamala Mills fire, which killed 14, BMC chief Ajoy Mehta had this year instructed all ward officers to check the fire compliance of hotels and restaurants across the city. But, a sudden transfer of 10 medical officers of health on December 14 has come as a roadblock in the inspection. With New Year's Eve only five days away, the transferred officials are scratching their heads, wondering which establishments fall in their jurisdiction.

The Kamala Mills fire had occurred in the 1Above pub and Mojo's Bistro. During the investigation into the incident, it was found that the owners had violated the NOC given by health officers. Taking note of this, Mehta had instructed health officers to inspect major hotels and restaurants in the first week of December. But due to the sudden transfer of the medical officers of health (MOH) in 10 wards on December 14, the inspection has hit a roadblock. Additional municipal commissioner Idzes Kundan ordered the internal ward transfer of 10 MOH in wards G/N, A, T, F/N, N, H/E, R/S, P/S, P/N and K/W. The officers started duties in their new wards on December 20, but they lack information about hotels and restaurant in the areas, which has led to confusion.