Architects slam new system for fire approvals

MUMBAI: The Mumbai Fire Brigade’s decision to discontinue the use of private contractors in issuing fire safety approvals and appoint their own fire officers instead has been opposed by architects and engineers in the construction industry. Until then, private contractors were allowed to issue fire approvals for buildings less than 32metres high, while structures taller than that must be certified by the deputy chief fire officers and other senior fire officials. PEATA, which has around 3,200 members, has since written to Prashant Gaikwad, deputy municipal commissioner, pointing to the alleged “indifferent approach” and “inconsistency” among fire officers and ADFOs during the scrutiny of proposals submitted online. Both are good government-aided schools with minimal fees, but their proposals are still pending,” said Sukhatme, who claimed that fire NOCs are being handled by inexperienced fire officials.