Mixed-Use Buildings Pose Fire Hazards in Nagpur

NAGPUR, India — Authorities are raising alarms over the fire hazards posed by mixed-use buildings in Nagpur. Recent incidents at Reliance Fresh Mart and Mini Punjab Hotel have revealed serious safety violations.

The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) conducted an audit of 390 mixed-occupancy structures and found that 186 lacked fire safety measures, such as alarms and exits. Out of these, 139 buildings were deemed unsafe for habitation or operation, leading to power and water disconnections for 97 structures.

Municipal Commissioner Abhijeet Chaudhari stressed the urgency of addressing these issues. “Mixed-use structures are particularly vulnerable because they combine the risks of both residential and commercial properties,” he said.

The blaze at Reliance Fresh Mart forced residents to evacuate through balconies, highlighting the potential for tragedy. Meanwhile, the fire at Mini Punjab Hotel exposed obstructed exits and faulty wiring.

Despite laws under the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, many property owners remain non-compliant. The NMC has begun issuing disconnection notices, with sealing orders possible for failures to correct violations.

Experts are warning of a systemic problem, especially in older neighborhoods where commercial operations have been added to residential buildings without necessary safety upgrades. “These unauthorized conversions have turned once-safe residential pockets into ticking time bombs,” said an urban planner.

With nearly half of Nagpur’s mixed-occupancy buildings violating safety norms, the city is at risk of a major disaster. Authorities and citizens must take immediate action to improve fire safety compliance.