Mumbai's ever-expanding skyline
symbolises the city鈥檚 relentless
march toward urbanisation and
progress. Mumbai鈥檚 high-rise
developments dominate the national
landscape, with the city accounting
for 77 per cent of India鈥檚 tall
buildings. Globally, Mumbai ranks
17th in the number of high-rise
buildings, underscoring its
importance as a key player in
vertical urban development. This
trend is not just a response to land
constraints but also reflects a
broader urbanisation movement,
with developers and policymakers
working together to create modern,
sustainable housing solutions.
With high-rise buildings becoming
the norm, safety in these vertical
marvels has become a pressing
concern. Among the most
critical challenges is ensuring
electrical fire safety, a matter of life
and death for residents and a
Enhancing Fire Safety
in High Rises
necessity for protecting property
and critical infrastructure.
Mumbai Fire Brigade data
reveals that electrical faults are
responsible for over 70 per cent of
the city's fire incidents annually,
making it the leading cause of
urban fires. The dense population
in high-rise buildings magnifies the
risk, where a single electrical fire
can jeopardise hundreds of lives
and cause irreparable damage. In
the first seven months of 2024, a
total of 3,197 fire incidents were
reported, leading to eight fatalities
and 112 injuries, with electrical
faults accounting for 70 per cent of
these cases.
Enhancing Safety with
Innovative Solutions
Addressing these challenges
requires a blend of advanced
technology, strict regulations, and
community awareness. Some of the actionable measures include:
1. Fire-Resistant Cables
Employing high-quality, fire-rated
cables like Polycab's IGNIS range
ensures that electrical systems
maintain integrity during fires.
These cables reduce flame
propagation, emit low smoke, and
are halogen-free, minimising toxic
gas release and enhancing visibility
for rescue operations.
2. Adherence to Standards
Compliance with the National
Building Code (NBC) of India and
Central Electricity Authority (CEA)
guidelines is vital. Routine
inspections of electrical systems
should be mandated to ensure
adherence to safety norms.
3. Smart Electrical Systems
IoT-enabled electrical systems
can detect faults in real time and prevent overloading. Smart meters
and automated cut-offs reduce
human error and enhance safety, a
feature increasingly incorporated in
newer developments.
4. Proper Grounding
and Bonding
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters
(GFCIs) and Residual Current
Devices (RCDs) must be installed
to prevent short circuits and
electrical shocks.
5. Emergency Preparedness
Systems
High-rises should integrate
reliable fire detection and
suppression systems, including
water sprinklers, alarm hooters, and
smoke detectors. Fire-resistant
cables like Polycab's IGNIS
support these systems by
maintaining operational integrity
during emergencies.
A Focus on Materials
and Installation
The quality of materials used in
electrical systems can mean the
difference between a contained
incident and a catastrophic disaster.
Fire-retardant Low Smoke Zero
Halogen (LSZH) cables, like those
offered by Polycab, are specifically
designed to:
鈼� Resist catching fire.
鈼� Emit minimal smoke, ensuring
better visibility during
evacuations.
鈼� Produce no harmful gases,
aiding fire-fighting efforts.
These features are crucial for
environments like hospitals, malls,
and residential high-rises, where
safe evacuation depends on the
reliability of electrical systems
under duress.
Recommendations
The rising incidents of electrical
fires in Mumbai's high-rises call for
a concerted effort among
government agencies, builders,
developers, and residents.
Collaboration is key to creating a
resilient urban environment where
fire hazards are mitigated
effectively, and occupants feel
secure. Key recommendations are:
Formulating Robust
Regulations: Agencies like the
Municipal Corporation of Greater
Mumbai (MCGM) and the Central
Electricity Authority (CEA) need to
establish and periodically update
fire safety codes, ensuring they
align with global best practices.
Mandating Regular
Inspections: Regular audits of
electrical systems in high-rises can
help detect vulnerabilities. The
Mumbai Fire Brigade
plays a critical role in
inspecting and
certifying compliance
with safety standards.
Promoting
Technology
Adoption:
Government
incentives for
adopting advanced
fire safety
technologies, such as
IoT-enabled fire
detection systems and fire-resistant cables, can
encourage widespread
implementation.
Public Awareness Campaigns:
Awareness initiatives can educate
residents and property managers
about fire safety protocols and
government mandates.
Campaigns like Electrical Safety
Week serve as platforms for
community engagement.
The Path Forward
Mumbai鈥檚 growth as a global
metropolis depends on the
safety of its infrastructure. By
adopting advanced materials, like
Polycab's fire-survival cables, and
integrating smart technologies, the
city can mitigate the risk of
electrical fires. Collaboration among
stakeholders is key to building a
resilient skyline where safety is
integral, not optional.
This proactive approach will not
only protect lives but also ensure
that Mumbai continues to rise鈥�
safely and sustainably.
(Communication by the
management of the company)
