No Fire Audit, No Power! Malls Face Heat in Mumbai After Frequent Fires

The Maharashtra government has started a strict crackdown on fire safety violations in malls across the state. This follows a series of fires at Dream Mall in Bhandup and Link Square Mall in Bandra on April 29, 2025.

Minister Uday Samant informed the State Legislative Council that all malls in Maharashtra must finish their fire safety audits within 90 days. He said strict action would be taken if rules are not followed. Water and electricity supplies will be cut off for non-compliant malls.

The minister also said that no negligence regarding fire safety will be tolerated. He added that Class B, C, and D municipal corporations must also begin checking malls for fire safety compliance. The Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006, would also be applied strictly wherever required.

MLCs Abhijit Wanjarri, Manisha Kayande, and Leader of Opposition Ambadas Danve raised concerns over irregularities in issuing fire No Objection Certificates to malls. They pointed out recent fires at Prime Mall in Vile Parle and Orchid Central Mall in Mumbai Central. 

The MLCs demanded answers on investigations that had been done after the fire incidents. They questioned whether the fire systems in these malls were functioning properly. They also asked what steps were taken to improve fire safety and what penalties were imposed on those found guilty.

In a written reply, the Urban Development Department, led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, confirmed that fire systems were not working at several malls. These included Orchid Central Mall, Link Square Mall, Dream Mall, and Prime Mall. 

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has started legal action against the mall owners under the 2006 Fire Safety Act.

Since then, fire systems have been restored at Orchid Central Mall and Prime Mall. However, Dream Mall and Link Square Mall still do not have working systems. These malls remain closed, and more legal steps have been taken.

The state government rejected claims that it ignored fire safety in malls. It said that mall owners are responsible for keeping fire systems active and for conducting fire audits twice a year. The government also said that the Mumbai Fire Brigade does regular checks. It takes action on properties that do not follow fire safety rules.