Ahead of the New Year celebrations, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) launched a major crackdown on venues flouting fire safety norms across the city. The extensive inspections led to action against over a hundred establishments, ensuring public safety during the festive rush.
Special Drive Uncovers Widespread Violations
The Mumbai Fire Brigade conducted a 'Special Fire Safety Drive' between December 22 and December 28, 2025. This proactive measure was initiated in anticipation of large crowds at various hospitality and entertainment venues during the year-end festivities. Officials confirmed that the inspection drive continued even after the dedicated period, with checks being carried out as late as December 30.
During a late-night operation on December 30, teams from the G-South ward targeted 15 establishments located in the Kamala Mills and Shakti Mills compounds in Lower Parel. This raid alone led to significant seizures, highlighting serious safety lapses.
Major Haul and Safety Checks
The officials confiscated eight illegal commercial LPG cylinders, 200 kg of coal, and 135 litres of edible oil that were improperly stored in basement areas. These items pose a severe fire hazard, especially in densely packed commercial zones.
The BMC teams focused on verifying compliance with critical fire safety regulations. Their checklist included:
- Availability and functionality of firefighting equipment.
- Safe storage protocols for flammable fuels and materials.
- Overall adherence to operational conditions mandated by law.
Scale of Inspections and Legal Action
The scale of the drive was citywide and comprehensive. In total, 2,703 premises were scrutinized between December 22 and December 30. From this large number, authorities initiated action against 136 establishments for identified violations.
Furthermore, 55 venues were served formal notices under the stringent Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006. This legal framework empowers the civic body to enforce safety standards and penalize non-compliance.
The inspections covered a diverse range of public spaces to ensure blanket safety coverage. The breakdown includes:
- 38 shopping malls
- 51 five-star hotels
- 194 lodging and boarding houses
- 37 rooftop venues
- 325 pubs, bars, and nightclubs
- 37 party halls
- 28 gymkhanas
- 1,993 restaurants
This massive exercise by the BMC underscores the administration's commitment to preventing fire-related tragedies during high-risk periods. The drive sends a strong message to commercial establishments to prioritize visitor safety or face legal consequences.
