27 Pune high-rises run without final fire NOC as PMC checks water for fire systems

Pune, October 24, 2026: At least 27 high-rise buildings within the limits of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) are operating without the mandatory final no-objection certificate (NOC). With the city facing a water shortage, the civic body's fire brigade is now checking whether these buildings have enough water for their firefighting systems.

The fire brigade is checking the availability of water for fire hydrants and sprinklers. It is also checking whether other essential safety requirements have been met. All this is being done before the buildings are given final approval.

PMC fire brigade chief Ganesh Sonune said, "These buildings have only provisional permission, not a final NOC. We will check whether all requirements, including documents and firefighting facilities, have been met, especially the availability of water."

To speed up approvals, the civic administration has launched an online software system. Even so, only 22 properties have received final clearance in the past ten years.

The matter has raised a further concern. Housing societies use water kept for firefighting for other purposes, especially when water is scarce. If that happens, the buildings will not have enough reserve water in an emergency.

Pradeep Kulkarni, a Kothrud resident, said, "During a shortage, it becomes more common to use water kept for fire for other purposes. PMC should ensure that a separate water tank for fire hydrants and sprinklers is always kept full."