The state government of Maharashtra, India, has introduced a new fire safety bill in response to recent high-rise fires in cities such as Kurla, Dadar, and Malad. The bill includes stringent regulations and a legal framework to punish violators, with imprisonment of up to three years and a penalty of up to ₹1 lakh for those who violate the new safety laws. Buildings taller than 22 floors, both residential and industrial, will have to set up an IoT-enabled fire safety mechanism that includes round-the-clock monitoring and a bi-annual fire safety audit to assess preparedness. The bill also permits an increase in the height of educational institutions and automated parking lots.
The bill, which amends the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, is designed to bring fire safety norms in line with the National Building Code revised by the central government in 2016. Once the act is passed, buildings and housing societies will be required to follow the new norms, and the IoT-enabled system will have to be monitored by a Building Management System around the clock. The sensor-based system will monitor various aspects of fire safety, and the fire brigade will get alerts about any issues, enabling them to take appropriate action.
The bill is expected to be passed in the state legislature this week and will come into force immediately once approved by both houses. The NBC already has the President’s assent, so there will be no need for approval from the central government. The bill will provide a legal framework for action against violations, with legal powers for authorities to hold auditors and societies responsible.
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