Fire-safety norms ignored in eight Maha cities: CAG report

MUMBAI: In a stark reminder of how unsafe are our cities, a new Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) report has revealed how fire safety norms are ignored in eight cities, including Mumbai, in Maharashtra. Other cities mentioned in the report are Thane, Navi Mumbai, Nashik, Pune, Aurangabad, Amravati and Nagpur. The report states that between 2010 and 2015, 78% of the amount reserved for upgrading fire-fighting systems was unspent, resulting in a severe shortage of equipment and infrastructure.

In case of fire tenders, which play a crucial role during firefighting operations, the CAG noted that there was a 78% short- age in the eight cities, severely affection the ability to tackle fires. The number of fire stations in the cities was also way below what is required.

HT FILE PHOTO The CAG report rapped the state government for refusing to learn from its mistakes, which led to the Mantralaya fire in 2012.