A comprehensive fire safety audit by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s (NMC) fire and emergency services department has revealed serious lapses across hundreds of mixed-use buildings in the city. The findings underscore a growing urban hazard as commercial expansion continues unchecked within residential neighborhoods.
The audit, which examined 390 mixed-occupancy buildings — structures combining residential and commercial use , exposed widespread violations of fire safety norms. Of these, 186 buildings lacked essential firefighting systems such as alarms, extinguishers, hydrants, and emergency exits. Another 139 buildings were declared unsafe for habitation or operation, while 97 are facing imminent power and water disconnection for repeated non-compliance.
Officials say the issue gained urgency following recent incidents at Reliance Fresh Mart in Laxmi Nagar’s Aath Rasta Square and Mini Punjab Hotel in Dharampeth, where fires exposed glaring safety lapses. In both cases, civic officials reported blocked escape routes, faulty wiring, and overburdened electrical circuits, all symptoms of neglect and overcrowding.
“Mixed-use structures are particularly vulnerable because they combine the risks of both residential and commercial properties,” said a senior NMC fire officer. “Many buildings have shops or restaurants on the ground floor with families living above. In several cases, safety systems are either absent or non-functional, making evacuation extremely difficult during emergencies.”
Municipal Commissioner Abhijeet Chaudhari has directed civic departments to take stringent action against violators, including sealing establishments that continue to ignore safety requirements. “We cannot allow negligence to put lives at risk. All non-compliant properties will face disconnection and further legal action under the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act,” Chaudhari stated in an internal directive.
The NMC’s crackdown follows years of lax enforcement. Many of the city’s older areas , including Sitabuldi, Dharampeth, Dhantoli, and Laxmi Nagar — were originally developed as residential zones but have since seen heavy commercialisation. Shops, offices, and eateries have mushroomed on ground floors, while families continue to occupy upper levels, often without structural reinforcement or upgraded fire systems.
According to urban planners, “The issue isn’t just about missing fire extinguishers — it’s about structural safety, poor ventilation, and the absence of basic escape routes. Many buildings were never designed for the kind of commercial load they now carry.”
The audit also revealed that several properties have failed to renew mandatory fire safety certificates, while others store flammable materials without proper safeguards. In many cases, electrical wiring remains outdated or illegally modified to support commercial appliances, heightening the risk of short circuits and fire outbreaks.
Officials noted that civic efforts to enforce safety compliance have been met with resistance from property owners citing financial constraints. However, experts argue that the cost of retrofitting fire systems is negligible compared to potential human and financial losses in a fire incident.
The NMC has now initiated final disconnection notices to buildings that continue to ignore fire safety mandates. Officials have warned that sealing orders will follow if compliance is not achieved within the stipulated period. Meanwhile, the civic body is also planning to introduce a digital fire compliance monitoring system, which will track inspections, certifications, and violations in real-time.
With nearly half of Nagpur’s mixed-use buildings violating fire safety norms, the situation has become a matter of urgent concern. Experts and officials alike stress that both enforcement and community awareness are key to averting a large-scale tragedy. “Nagpur’s rapid urbanisation has come at the cost of safety,” said another senior official. “Unless property owners, residents, and civic agencies act collectively, the city could face a major disaster that’s entirely preventable.”
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