Inquiries with the general administration department and public works department revealed that the Maharashtra government simply did not implement recommendations made after a detailed fire audit conducted in 2008 and a study carried out with the help of architect Hafeez Contractor to overhaul the entire fire detection system in Mantralaya.
A senior official, who was part of these two studies, on a condition of anonimity, told Business Standard, "Thursday's fire could have been brought under control had the proper fire detection system and sprinklers across the building been installed. It was unfortunate that due to lack of force for water, it was difficult for fire fighting officials to carry out their operations." The official informed that the fire audit report submitted in 2008 had been gathering a dust as it was never taken seriously by the state government.
The official said that the project cost of Rs 1 crore was estimated for the entire overhaul, which was not done.
"The fire was brought under control since 10:00 pm yesterday and by 2:30 am it was not spreading. However, the fire may reignite due to the flow of wind coming from the nearby Arabian sea. At present, the temparature on the forth, fifth and sixth floors of Mantralaya is 600-700 degree celcius and cooling operations are under way. There is no electricity no power so the government staff has been asked not to enter the building but operate from the alternative places," the official informed.
Further, the official said a special study was carried out with the help of Hafeez Contractor during October 1998 and March 1999 for the reorganisation of the sitting arrangement in Mantralaya which is spread over 700,000 sq ft. "The study was aimed at securing Mantralaya from fire hazard. It envisaged redesigning entire Mantralaya precinct including the adjoining garden so that movement space and vehicle parking, access to fire fighting personnel was all provided. The entire project cost was estimated at Rs 100 crore. However, it was never implemented." The official admitted that during last 12 years more than Rs 112 crore was spent on remaking of chambers of ministers and officials in Mantralaya.
