Maharashtra Orders Statewide Fire Safety Audit Of Malls After Repeated Incidents

Mumbai: In the wake of repeated fire incidents at Mumbai's Link Square Mall (April 29, 2025) and Dream Mall, Bhandup, the Maharashtra government has announced a strict crackdown on fire safety violations across the state. Minister Uday Samant informed the State Legislative Council that fire audits of all malls in Maharashtra must be completed within 90 days.

Failing to meet fire safety standards will lead to disconnection of electricity and water supply, Samant warned while responding to a question raised by MLC Kripal Tumane. The minister also assured that no negligence in fire safety will be tolerated moving forward.

Samant stated that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has already initiated action. Dream Mall, Bhandup, remains closed following safety violations. He added that all Class ‘B’, ‘C’, and ‘D’ municipal corporations must begin verification of fire safety compliance in malls. Where required, strict action will be taken under the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006.

During the session, Leader of Opposition Ambadas Danve, along with members Abhijit Wanjarri and Manisha Kayande, expressed concern over irregularities in issuing fire No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to malls. They pointed to multiple incidents, including fires at Bandra's Link Square Mall, Orchid Central Mall (Mumbai Central), and Prime Mall (Vile Parle), raising questions about the functionality of fire suppression systems in these premises.

The MLCs alleged that local municipal fire departments and civic authorities have been negligent in enforcing fire safety norms, and demanded to know What investigations were done following these fire incidents?, What measures were taken to strengthen fire safety?, What action was taken against those found responsible for safety lapses?

In a written reply, the Urban Development Department (under Deputy CM Eknath Shinde) confirmed that firefighting systems were non-functional at several malls, including:

Bandra Link Square Mall, Dream Mall, Bhandup, Orchid Central Mall, Mumbai Central, Prime Mall, Vile Parle

The BMC has taken action against the owners of these malls under the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006.

Since then, Fire systems have been reactivated at Orchid Central Mall and Prime Mall, Systems at Dream Mall and Link Square Mall remain inactive, prompting continued closure and legal action

The state government denied allegations of ignoring mall fire safety and clarified that responsibility lies with mall owners to maintain functional fire systems and conduct biannual fire audits, as mandated by law.

The government added that the Mumbai Fire Brigade conducts random inspections and takes action against non-compliant properties.