Pune: Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) on Tuesday slapped a fine of Rs 6 lakh on the operator of a Mangadewadi-based godown for not following fire safety norms.“We have been appealing to commercial establishments to follow fire safety norms. It is mandatory not only for users of those properties, but also for nearby establishments. Defaulters are being penalised,” said Ganesh Sonune, head of the PMC’s fire brigade department.According to PMC data, the administration has issued notices to 500 establishments that do not have fire-fighting facilities. The civic administration is exploring options such as cutting off the water and power connections of repeat offenders. This action will begin once the deadline to comply with the norms expires.The fire brigade, PMC’s encroachment and building departments sealed PGs and hostels in Lohegaon and nearby areas last month for non-compliance with fire safety norms in the buildings. The administration has started inspections of PGs and hostels against the backdrop of recent fire incidents in Delhi, Mumbai and Amravati at PG buildings and private coaching classes.The city fire brigade has appealed to residents, high-rise residential buildings, hospitals, malls, cinema halls, theatres, hotels, educational institutions, commercial complexes and large commercial establishments in the city to keep their fire-fighting systems operational and in good condition.Under the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006, the owner or occupier of a building is responsible for providing fire-prevention and life-safety measures and keeping them functional at all times. The provisions include recommending the disconnection of the water and electricity supply of the concerned establishment. Three months’ time has been given for the establishments to complete their required fire safety norms. “We have written to the departments concerned for disconnection. The data about the establishments and the deadline to disconnect these connections have been given to them,” said Sonune.According to citizens, such actions are necessary as these facilities are connected to people’s life and death. The administration must focus on coaching classes and educational institutions, where students study in large numbers. “If facilities like emergency exits are not available in such institutions, it can cause serious mishaps. The number of youngsters and children on a single premise is very high in such institutions. They are not trained to deal with such emergencies. So, it is the responsibility of the operators of such institutions to keep their premises fireproof,” said Rucha Joshi, a resident of Satara Road.“If facilities like emergency exits are not available in such institutions, it can cause serious mishaps. The number of youngsters and children on a single premise is very high in such institutions. They are not trained to deal with such emergencies. So, it is the responsibility of the operators of such institutions to keep their premises fireproof,” said Rucha Joshi, a resident of Satara Road.
