No water, power supply for mall

In one of its toughest actions in recent days, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to sever the water and electricity connections of Raghuleela Mall at Kandivali (west) for not complying with fire safety norms.

According to Mumbai fire brigade sources, Raghuleela Mall was inspected in February, during which it was found that several fire equipment such as fire pumps, hydrants, wet riser, detectors, among others, were not in working condition there. Notice was issued to the chairman of the mall on March 1, asking him to rectify it within two months.

When the notice period ended on May 1, the inspecting officer again inspected the mall. However, it was found the mall had not complied with or rectified the above deficiencies. Hence, renewal of the no-objection certificate from the fire department was rejected.

“On Monday, the fire officers made a site visit and informed the assistant commissioner of R/C ward to disconnect water supply and Reliance Energy to disconnect electricity supply. We have informed police personnel to take the necessary action. The inspecting officer has also been instructed to follow up the matter urgently with legal department to take prosecution action,” said a senior fire official.

Chief fire officer Prabhat Rahangdale said, “The action taken against Raghuleela Mall was through the routine process of investigation. No special drive was undertaken for this. We also conducted the inspection at 12 to 13 other places in the city. They included Makers, McDonalds Bandra, Earth Castle Mall etc.”