TIMES IMPACT
Panel on fire safety invites suggestions from public
Mumbai: After TOIs article on how easily an Uphaar-like tragedy can happen in any Mumbai multiplex, N V Merani, chairman of the committee appointed by the state government to formulate a new set of safety guidelines for multiplexes, has urged citizens to write to the panel with their complaints and observations.
Now that the our work is in full swing, I request citizens to be more vigilant when they visit multiplexes. If they observe any deficiencies in the layout, design or safety measures, they should report to us. We assure them that their point of view will be taken into account, Merani told TOI. Citizens can send their letters to chief engineer, Development Plan, BMC head office, Mahapalika Marg, Mumbai 400001.
Merani said the committee will now visit other multiplexes in the city to observe violations and discuss changes in the existing rules before presenting its report to the government in the next two months.
The panel, after conducting a survey of 12 multiplexes last week, found that the government itself has condoned violations and allowed constructions compromising the safety aspect. It said that the urban development department is the chief culprit as it relaxes norms framed under the development control rules (DCR) while the home department allows screening of movies in such hazardous buildings, a committee member said.
The panel is assessing the rules and regulations and how multiplexes are complying with them. It is also suggesting remedial measures for violations for future development of multiscreen theatres.
Vashi mall reopens
Vashi mall reopens
Navi Mumbai: A day after the inferno destroyed seven shops at the food court of City Centre in Vashi, the mall reopened for business on Thursday, even as the restoration work on level 3 of the mall continued. The adjoining multiplex Cinemax was also thrown open to patrons. TNN
Ministerspeak
Reacting to the report in TOI, south Mumbai
MP Milind Deora has said that he has been regularly pointing out to the Centre and state about the rise in number of fire tragedies at entertainment hubs. In a letter to home minister Shivraj Patil a few years ago, Deora had said fire protection is not being accorded the importance or priority it demands on our national agenda.GUTTED: The food court of City Centre was destroyed in the blaze