Maharashtra Orders 90-Day Fire Safety Audit of All Malls After Series of Fires

Mumbai, July 4 – In a decisive move following multiple fire incidents in shopping malls across Mumbai, the Maharashtra government has ordered a 90-day statewide fire safety audit of all malls. Industries Minister Uday Samant made the announcement in the State Legislative Council, warning that any mall failing to meet fire safety standards will face immediate disconnection of electricity and water supply.

This sweeping action comes in the aftermath of recent fire outbreaks at Link Square Mall, Bandra (April 29, 2025) and Dream Mall, Bhandup, both of which exposed major gaps in fire safety systems. Dream Mall remains closed due to non-functional fire equipment and ongoing legal proceedings.

Responding to a question raised by MLC Kripal Tumane, Minister Samant said that the government "will not tolerate any negligence in fire safety moving forward." He confirmed that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has already initiated enforcement action and that all Class ‘B’, ‘C’, and ‘D’ municipal corporations across the state have been directed to begin immediate verification of fire compliance in malls.

During the session, Leader of Opposition Ambadas Danve and MLCs Abhijit Wanjarri and Manisha Kayande raised sharp concerns about the irregular issuance of Fire No Objection Certificates (NOCs) by civic authorities. They cited repeated fire incidents at:

• Link Square Mall, Bandra

• Dream Mall, Bhandup

• Orchid Central Mall, Mumbai Central

• Prime Mall, Vile Parle

The MLCs questioned the functionality of fire suppression systems in these properties and demanded transparency on post-incident investigations, enforcement actions, and accountability of responsible officials.

In a written response, the Urban Development Department, under Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, admitted that firefighting systems were found non-functional at several major malls. Action has been taken under the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006.

• Fire systems have been restored at Orchid Central Mall and Prime Mall.

• Dream Mall and Link Square Mall continue to remain shut, as their fire safety systems are still non-operational.

The government rejected allegations of ignoring fire safety lapses and clarified that the primary responsibility lies with mall owners to ensure compliance, including biannual fire audits and maintenance of fire systems. Officials also confirmed that the Mumbai Fire Brigade conducts random inspections and takes action against non-compliant establishments.

Minister Samant reiterated that non-compliance during the 90-day audit period will lead to cutting off essential utilities like electricity and water, effectively rendering such malls inoperable. “We are committed to ensuring public safety and will not hesitate to act against violators,” he said.

The audit is expected to serve as a wake-up call for commercial property owners across Maharashtra, as the state pushes for stricter fire safety enforcement to protect lives and infrastructure.