Kamala Mills fire aftermath: BMC takes action against 45 restaurants

Around 5,900 commercial structures have been inspected since the Kamala Mills tragedy.

In the aftermath of the Kamala Mills fire tragedy, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), in the past week, took action against 45 restaurants and establishments across the city that violated fire safety norms.

Fourteen people had lost their lives in the September 29 tragedy (HT File)

According to BMC data, 994 eateries were inspected last week, of which, illegal construction and modifications were detected in 45. Most of these were in Lower Parel’s Kamala Mills, Victoria Mills and Janata Industrial Estate. The BMC also sealed off a commercial establishment in south Mumbai for fire safety violations. During the drive, 620 others received show-cause notices and were asked to rectify the violations within a stipulated time. Little Italy, a restaurant in Andheri (West), faced demolition as it had an illegal kitchen, said assistant municipal commissioner, Prashant Gaikwad. However, Ashadul Shaikh, manager at Little Italy, said, “The BMC inspected our restaurant, but there was no demolition.”

Around 5,900 commercial structures have been inspected since the Kamala Mills fire, of which more than 10% faced demolition owing to illegal constructions. Around 73 eateries were shut down and 3,500 have been sent notices to rectify errors.