Only 40,000 Maharashtra housing complexes submit reports on fire system maintenance

According to recently released reports, a mere 20% of the two lakh residential complexes in Maharashtra have submitted their firefighting system maintenance reports for July. This revelation highlights a concerning lack of compliance with the mandatory regulations outlined in the Maharashtra Fire Services Act. Under the regulations, residential complexes are obligated to maintain functioning fire safety equipment on their premises and to provide fire stations with maintenance reports biannually in January and July. The numbers paint a grim picture of the situation, as only approximately 40,000 residential complexes, predominantly from major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Nashik, and Nagpur, have adhered to this requirement.

Experts have underscored the lack of awareness surrounding this crucial issue. A representative from the state directorate of fire service expressed their concern over the disheartening statistics, highlighting that the majority of housing complexes appear to be neglecting their responsibility to perform necessary checks and maintain firefighting equipment. The consequences of such neglect could be dire, potentially rendering these systems ineffective in times of emergency.

Data from the state directorate of fire services reveals that Maharashtra is home to 1.20 lakh registered cooperative housing societies and around 80,000 apartments. However, the low compliance rate emphasizes that many are falling short of their safety obligations. Those failing to submit the mandatory 'Form B,' issued by licensed agencies to confirm the proper condition of fire protection systems, may face legal repercussions.

A recent incident in a Mumbai suburban housing society serves as a cautionary tale. A fire outbreak led to the society being served notice under Section 3 of the Maharashtra Fire Act. The fire brigade cited the society's failure to provide the required biannual fire audit report and to maintain their firefighting systems as contributing factors.

Devendra Potphode, Chief Fire Officer of PMC and PMRDA, raised awareness about the obligatory nature of 'Form B' submission, highlighting its critical role in resident safety. He noted that a significant number of societies in Pune district had neglected to fulfil this requirement. Non-compliance could lead to legal action, including notices being issued to societies or individual apartment owners, depending on the specifics of each case.

Efforts to improve awareness are underway, as officials from the Maharashtra Housing Federation commit to educating housing societies about these vital fire safety protocols. The firefighting systems in question encompass various components such as fire alarms, sprinklers, water hose lines, and fire extinguishers. However, these components often remain non-functional in many buildings.

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Only 40,000 Maharashtra housing complexes submit reports on fire system maintenance

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