The drive will be carried out in hotels, restaurants, pubs, bars, banquet halls, malls, and establishments that are likely to see high footfall. Last year, a similar special drive was undertaken, during which the fire brigade inspected 731 establishments
BMC said enhanced vigilance and stricter enforcement are essential to safeguard citizens during festive gatherings. Representational pic
With large gatherings expected across Mumbai for New Year 2026 celebrations, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced a week-long special fire safety campaign to ensure compliance and prevent fire-related incidents. The drive will be carried out by the Mumbai Fire Brigade between December 22 and 28 in hotels, restaurants, pubs, bars, banquet halls, malls, and establishments that are likely to see high footfall.
The initiative comes in the wake of the recent tragic Goa nightclub fire incident which claimed 25 lives. BMC said enhanced vigilance and stricter enforcement are essential to safeguard citizens during festive gatherings.
The campaign will be conducted under the guidance of Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani and Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr Ashwini Joshi.
Dr Joshi said the Goa incident served as a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness and adherence to fire safety measures. She added that Mumbai’s Fire Brigade is equipped to handle emergencies with advanced systems, equipment and trained personnel, but public awareness and preventive measures remain crucial to avoiding disasters.
Last year, a similar special drive was undertaken, during which the Fire Brigade inspected 731 establishments across the city. Action was taken against 12 properties for failing to comply with fire safety norms under the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006. The BMC noted that the inspections proved effective in preventing fire incidents at those locations.
This year too, teams will inspect a wide range of establishments, including starred hotels, gyms, party halls, lodging and boarding facilities, crowded malls and popular restaurants. Strict action will be taken against those found violating mandatory safety norms.
Chief Fire Officer Ravindra Ambulgekar said non-compliant establishments will face action under the provisions of the 2006 Act. He reiterated that adherence to fire safety conditions is compulsory for the safety of both patrons and property.
Under Section 3(1) of the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006, property owners and occupiers are responsible for implementing prescribed fire prevention and life safety measures in their buildings.
The Act also mandates that fire safety systems must be kept fully functional. As per Section 3(3) and Rule 4(2), establishments must obtain a biannual fire safety compliance certificate—issued in January and July—from a government-authorised agency. The list of licensed agencies is available on the Maharashtra Fire Services Directorate website.
The BMC urged all establishments to ensure their systems are in working condition and to cooperate fully with the Fire Brigade during inspections to ensure a safe start to the New Year.
The civic body will also deploy lifeguards, rescue boats and other lifesaving equipment at major beaches across the city on New Year’s Eve, as crowds are expected to gather in large numbers.
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