State needs stricter fire NOC norms, says Subhash Desai

MUMBAI: Concerned over the rising number of fire incidents in Maharashtra, state industries minister Subhash Desai on Tuesday pitched for making the process stringent for obtaining fire no-objection certificates (NOCS).

Admitting that the government did relax a few norms while reducing the number of approvals needed to be taken by industries under the ease of doing business, Desai said certain safety norms were also relaxed during the process. “We reduced the number of approvals required from 75 to 25 while trying to bring in ease of doing businesses,” he said while speaking at an event organised by Power Cable Alliance.

“However, after these incidents, we feel we shouldn’t give any relaxation if they don’t exercise their duties with the sense of responsibilities,” Desai added.

“We are reviewing whether to give any relaxation connected with safety of people and property,” he added.

Desai was referring to the recent incidents of fire at Mahalaxmi and Roha industrial unit.

“In the Roha incident, the explosion and fire that led to a loss of huge property was mainly because there was no proper earthing to the equipment and also lacked the quality of infrastructure. Also, there were no proper escape routes,” he added.

The minister said that if both the private and public sector act efficiently on the rules and regulations related to fire safety, then the government can consider giving them relaxations.