In a significant crackdown following the tragic nightclub fire in Goa, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a formal notice to the prestigious National Sports Club of India (NSCI) in Worli for multiple failures in fire safety compliance. The move is part of a sweeping, preemptive inspection drive across Mumbai's restaurants, bars, and malls.
Inspections Reveal Critical Lapses at Premier Club
The Mumbai Fire Brigade's inspection, conducted under the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act of 2006, uncovered several operational shortcomings at the NSCI premises. The notice, served on December 19, highlighted specific non-compliances that could compromise safety during an emergency.
Key deficiencies identified included diesel-operated fire pumps that were not functional and a water curtain system in the basement that was not set to automatic mode. Inspectors also found scrap material improperly stored in service ducts and passageways, creating potential fire hazards and blocking escape routes. Additional issues involved electrical cables that were not sealed at floor level and leakages in fire hoses.
Furthermore, the club administration failed to furnish the mandatory Form B for the fixed firefighting system in its administrative building, a crucial document certifying the installation and compliance from a licensing agency.
BMC's Directive and Club's Response
In its notice, the civic body has directed the NSCI management to rectify all identified lapses within 30 days. Additionally, the club has been instructed to submit the pending Form B to the authorities within a stricter timeline of seven days.
When contacted, Viren Shah, Secretary of NSCI Mumbai, stated that all compliance issues have been addressed. "There had been some small issues which had been adhered to. For us, fire safety comes first as well and we have taken corrective measures," Shah said. He confirmed that the club has rectified the errors and submitted a compliance letter to the BMC.
Citywide Safety Sweep After Goa Blaze
This action against a prominent institution like NSCI underscores the seriousness of the BMC's inspection campaign. The drive was initiated on December 23, directly prompted by the devastating fire at a nightclub in Goa that claimed 25 lives, which exposed gross lapses in fire safety systems.
Ashwini Joshi, Additional Municipal Commissioner, explained that teams from the Mumbai Fire Brigade and the Building and Fire department are systematically checking establishments across the city. The inspections verify whether firefighting systems are operational, if any unauthorized structural changes have been made, and check for encroachments and other safety parameters.
"In case of lapses, the teams are issuing directives on what corrective measures have to be taken," Joshi said. This proactive stance aims to prevent similar tragedies in Mumbai by ensuring strict adherence to fire safety norms in all public spaces, especially those with high footfall like clubs, eateries, and malls.
