PWD dept complied with fire safety norms: Bhujbal

Maharashtra Public Works Department Minister Chhagan Bhujbal on Saturday said that his ministry had complied with the fire safety norms which had been laid down during the structural audit conducted in 2008.

Talking to reporters in the wake of the devastating fire at the state secretariat, Bhujbal said the fire safety plan given during the structural audit comprised 32 points, out of which, the department complied with 31.

"Only the issue of fire-resistant paint could not be implemented. We had sent specification to the fire brigade, but there was no response," he added.

He said even though the maintenance of the 56-year-old building was with the PWD department, it was not the only one to be blamed for the loopholes, if any.

"Most of the departments do not take PWD department's permissions for carrying out renovation work of their respective offices. A circular of the chief secretary was issued in June 2008 that renovations should not be carried out without proper permissions of the department and the chief secretary," he said.

Similarly, all entrances, exits, staircases should be free from obstruction.

"Because of this compliance, all the staff could be evacuated in 15 to 20 minutes," he added.

The other points mentioned were that vehicular parking should not be allowed on the approach roads of the building and there should be open space available around the building.

The fire safety plan also mentioned that escape routes should be free and all electrical safety gadgets in place.

Bhujbal said the electrical wiring in the building did not belong only to the PWD.  He said the entire Mantralaya building comes under the General Administration Department and the PWD looks after the maintenance.

He said structural engineers Dr Raje and Shashank Mehendale as well as retired chief engineer of PWD department Kanhere have given their structural audit report of the first three floors of the main building, which has been cleared for use.

"The audit for the top three floors would be done from Sunday. Cooling operations as well as cleaning are still on," he added.