Diamond hub is not safe for occupation: fire dept

Fire brigade disallows occupation at Bharat Diamond Bourse. BMC says if the bourse doesn't comply with fire safety norms soon, its occupation certificate will be revoked

The jinxed Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB), Asia's largest diamond bourse—situated at Bandra Kurla Complex—has received another jolt as the fire department has disallowed the occupation in the building, following a fire there in October.
    "Once they comply with all [fire safety] norms, we will reconsider their application," said P D Karguppikar, Chief Fire Officer, adding, "During a survey, immediately after the October 20 fire, the department found that the complex did not h a v e requisite fire fighting equipment and therefore, the department wrote to the BMC disallowing occupation in the complex," added
Karguppikar.
The civic body had written to the bourse management in November, asking it to convey action taken by it to comply with the fire safety norms. But it hasn't got any reply till date.
"We are planning to write another letter to give them a fair chance to comply with the norms. If we don't receive any response, we may have to take stringent steps to ensure the safety of the building and its occupants," said A T Shintre, Chief Engineer, Development and Planning, BMC. He explained, "After seeking explanation from the concerned architect of the bourse, we may revoke the Occupation Certificate."
    Of the eight buildings, the bourse had received Occupation Certificates for only six. "We set up proper fire fighting equipment after last year's fire. Now, we have decided to apply for a fresh OC for all buildings once work on all towers is over," said Anoop Mehta, president of the bourse.
THE BDB PROJECT
    The bourse is spread across 20 acres of plot comprising eight towers. The ground floor will have 30 banks. The BDB anticipates deals with over 30,000 people every day.
    The project was started in 1993, but internal disputes and payment defaults put the project on hold in 1998.Work resumed in 2001. Since then, the BDB committee has set up several deadlines to make it functional.The current deadline is April 27, which falls on Akshay Tritya
    Currently, trading of rough and polished diamonds is concentrated mainly in three buildings: Prasad Chambers, Panchratna Building and Shreeji Building in Opera House.

Bharat Diamond Bourse situated at Bandra Kurla Complex