Scrap Malabar Hill bldg NOC: Fire brigade

Mumbai:The fire brigade has recommended to the BMC building proposals department that a no-objection certificate (NOC) issued to an under-construction residential high-rise in the prime Walkeshwar Road area be revoked because of ambiguity in the open spaces seen on inspection of the site and the approved plan. 

    Officials say the building might face demolition if the building proposals department accepts the recommendation. The strong stand follows the Kemps Corner high-rise fire, say officials. 
    Santosh Sawant, assistant divisional fire officer, in a report submitted to deputy chief fire officer and executive engineer, building proposals, has sought revocation of the fire brigade NOC dated March 29, 2008, and to initiate stringent action in case of violations of DCR (1991) found in the coastal regulatory zone (CRZ). 
    Already, a four-level basement, a ground floor and 10 floors have been built by a developer behind the Dani Sadan Cooperative Housing Society on Walkeshwar Road. The approved plan is for 12 floors. 
    The matter came to light in January when members of the Dani CHS complained that there were irregularities in the project when it came to fire safety norms. 
    The complainants in their letter stated that the builder had got an NOC on a false pretext; at the site there was no space for a fire engine to enter. 
    The complaint states: "The builder put up plans shows entry and exit on disputed property. The approved plan showed that in emergency the fire tender can be approached only on the west side where the driveway is and that there was no sufficient open space on the other three sides." 
    Sawant's report to the BMC and fire brigade says there is a dead end at the south-west side of the building, which will provide no turning space for fire engines, jumbo water tankers and special appliances like hydraulic ladders in front of the building and hinder fire fighting operations. 
    P S Rahangdale, deputy chief fire officer, said the report submitted by Sawant to revoke the NOC has been recommended. P Nesarikar, deputy chief fire officer, said a report was submitted to DMC Narendra Barde and the building proposals department two days ago. 
    The developer said: "The fire brigade has issued an NOC and there is sufficient open space for the fire tenders to enter the building. I'm not aware of the fire brigade's plan to revoke the NOC. We have all the permissions in place. Any issuewill be clarified." 
INCONSISTENT WITH SAFETY REQUIREMENTS 
    The CFO's NOC of March 29, 2008, states that the building abuts a 27.43-metre road, which is not correct. The building is accessible only from a 6.3-metre internal road with a dead end 
    The 1.5 metre open space showed on north side is incorrect. According to plans submitted, it is a disputed area 
    At least two entrance gates of not less than 4.5 metres width each should be provided, but the plan that has been submitted shows no such gates 
    Fire vehicles cannot be manoeuvred easily and need to traverse 76 metres 
    There is a dead end at the south side of the building 
    Access to plot on north side from Walkeshwar Road is through driveway, a disputed area for which litigation is on in HC

The Walkeshwar Rd project