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{ MUMBAI: Controversy surrounding the Wankhede stadium revamp may get resolved within a couple of days, sources in the fire department said on Monday. Stadium organizers have conveyed to the department that compliance is in progress and the gaps will be filled by Wednesday, following which, the fire department is likely to issue its no-objection certificate.

"Organizers are taking care of the shortcomings and have told us that all the problems would be rectified soon. We had suggested a few problems during our inspection, which they have agreed to remedy," said a fire official on condition of anonymity.

Chief fire officer Uday Takare said that unless the all conditions are followed, the NOC and the fire compliance report will not be issued. "There are two issues that need to be taken care of. Firstly, there is lack of safety equipment in the basement, there is no proper ventilation in the basement either. Secondly, there are not enough sprinklers in the north and west stands," said Tatkare. "For us, safety of everyone is most important. We need to be fully convinced that safety is not compromised, only then will we be in a position to give them the clearance needed."

Among the mandatory fire apparatus are water hydrants, internal riser system for the stands, no-smoking indicators, fire alarms and extinguishers. The fire NOC is provided when the structure is adequately ventilated and has all the necessary preventive measures and systems in place.

The Wankhede controversy came up earlier this month when the fire department went for a routine check of the newly renovated stadium. The BMC asked the department to give its compliance report before it could give the stadium an amended occupation certificate. Apart from two games, the final match is scheduled to be played at the stadium too.

The Mumbai Cricket Association ( MCA), which owns the stadium, is locked in a legal battle with the BMC over the payment of sewerage and water taxes,which total Rs 9 crore, since 2006.

The revamp, which began three years ago, has been controversial, and a PIL against several alleged violations is pending in court. The BMC had even penalized the association at least 15 times for dumping debris and construction material in the past two years.

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Labels: India, Revamped, Times, Wankhede