BBMP Seeks Changes in KMC Act

BANGALORE: Going by the latest developments in Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), it seems the civic agency has geared up to strengthen fire safety measures in high-rise buildings. The BBMP has requested state government to amend Karnataka Muncipal Corporation Act (KMC Act) to include more fire safety measures.This proposal was offered following the fire break out incident at a BBMP office recently. Speaking to Express, B M Tirakanagoudar, Additional Director of Town Planning, BBMP said that they are seeking amendments in the KMC Act. “High-rise building owners from now on should get new fire safety license from Karnataka fire and emergency services, which has to be renewed once in five years. Since we are not technically equipped, fire and emergency services will look into the license matter,” the additional director said.  Additionally, land owners should also obtain an affidavit from the BBMP once in two years to ensure the fire equipments are in good condition. According to Tirakanagoudar, councilors at BBMP have approved the proposal. “We are waiting for government’s approval ,” he said.HC Order UnheardThe High Court, three months ago, while hearing a PIL filed by Beyond Carlton, a trust formed by the family members of victims and survivors of the Carlton tower fire tragedy of 2009, had directed the BBMP to draw guidelines and safety measures within a span of two months to prevent accidental fire in high rise buildings.