Owners/occupiers of high-rise buildings, starred hotels, cinema halls, multiplexes and auditoriums, commercial buildings, malls and shopping centres will have to face six months to three years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of Rs. 20,000 – Rs. 50,000 from January 2016, if they do not submit ‘Fire Act B Form’ twice in a year – January and July. However, for the convenience of the citizens the forms can be now filled and uploaded on official website of the BMC.
Considering the recent building collapse incidents the Fire Brigade has given an ultimatum as ‘appeal’ to citizens to adhere to the law. Pratap Rahangdale, Chief Fire Officer of Mumbai Fire Brigade said that “the Fire Department has been appealing to citizens every now and then but it seems that our appeals are not taken seriously. There is no compliance, no awareness and no responsibility shared by the citizens. Every now and then accidents happen but people don’t take cue from there and ensure that they take the safety measures. BMC emphasizes on better fire safety in all the buildings in BMC limits”, adding that the B form can be submitted online for the convenience of the citizens if they cannot submit it physically.
As per section 3 of Maharashtra Fire Prevention & Life Safety Measures Act 2006, every owner/occupiers will have to submit a certificate in the prescribed Form B issued by a Licensed Agency regarding the compliance of the maintenance of fire prevention & life safety measures in good, repaired & efficient condition to Chief Fire Officer or nominated officer. List of licensed agencies and the format of Form B is available on the website www.mahafireservice.gov.in and also on www.mcgm.gov.in
All the existing buildings within BMC limits are required to follow the rules, failing which, they can attract stricter action of imprisonment including fine.
