NASHIK: With members expressing concerns over the implementation of new fire safety norms, on grounds that it would not be practical in old buildings, the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) on Monday referred back the proposal seeking details from the health, town planning and fire departments.

The proposal to appoint an agency to conduct audits on residential and commercial buildings having a height of more than 15 metres was tabled on Monday at the NMC's general body meeting (GBM).The norms over fire safety have been made mandatory by the state government. Submission of an NOC from the fire department has been made compulsory for the hospitals during their licence renewal. With an aim to check fire safety measures taken by the residential and commercial buildings, the NMC administration had tabled its proposal to appoint the agency responsible for fire audits to ensure regulations were being met. But corporators demanded that old buildings be exempted from the new fire safety norms since these call for structural changes. They also demanded a stay or an extension of the deadline for hospitals and maternity homes to fulfil norm requirements. The members had also demanded an extension of the deadline for renewal of licences for hospitals and maternity homes, from the present deadline of one year to three years.