In a major crackdown ahead of the New Year festivities, the Mumbai Fire Brigade has conducted sweeping safety inspections across the city's entertainment and hospitality venues. This proactive drive comes in the shadow of a devastating fire at a nightclub in Goa that killed 25 people earlier this month.
Widespread Inspections Reveal Safety Lapses
The civic body launched a Special Fire Safety Drive between December 22 and 26, 2025, targeting establishments expecting large crowds during the celebrations. Fire officials scrutinized a total of 1,221 venues, ranging from high-end hotels to popular restaurants and nightclubs.
The inspection list was comprehensive, including:
- 10 major malls
- 25 five-star hotels
- 148 pubs, bars, and clubs
- 19 rooftop venues
- 628 restaurants
- Various party and banquet halls
The results were concerning. Authorities took action against 59 establishments for failing to adhere to fire safety norms. Additionally, 20 venues were served official notices, and separate action was initiated against four outlets for storing excess LPG cylinders beyond the permitted limit.
Legal Action and Precautionary Measures
All enforcement actions are being pursued under the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006. Before commencing inspections, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) wards issued notices to establishments, highlighting the increased risk during the festive period and the necessity of compliance.
The special drive is scheduled to continue until December 28, 2025, after which routine monitoring will resume. Establishments have been strictly directed to ensure their fire-fighting systems are operational, exit routes are completely unobstructed, and occupancy limits are strictly followed.
In a significant move, the Mumbai Fire Brigade also issued a notice to the National Sports Club of India (NSCI) in Worli on December 19, citing multiple lapses in fire safety at its large sports complex. The NSCI has stated that all required corrective measures have since been implemented.
A Response to Tragedy and Past Incidents
This intensified vigilance is a direct response to the growing public and administrative concern over fire safety, amplified by the recent Goa tragedy. On December 6, 2025, a catastrophic fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, resulted in 25 fatalities and around 50 injuries.
The memory of a past disaster in Mumbai also looms large. On December 29, 2017, a massive blaze at the Kamala Mills compound in Lower Parel killed 14 people. The victims were found in a restobar's bathroom, where they had likely sought refuge. The fire was traced to flying embers from a coal stove igniting combustible materials.
The BMC has made a public appeal, urging citizens to remain vigilant while attending New Year events and to immediately report any observed fire safety violations to the authorities.
