Mayor warns of action against storage of hazardous materials
MUMBAI: Four people suffered injuries after a massive fire broke out in a cylinder godown on Wednesday in Versova area. The incident was reported at 9.43am.
Mini blasts were heard across Versova. Nearby houses also reported cracks due to the vibrations caused by the blast.
According to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials, investigations will be undertaken to ascertain the legality of the structure. Mumbai mayor Kishori Pednekar said BMC had taken action twice against the godown in the past.
“I request the citizens to submit a written application about cylinders kept in the nearby areas. We will visit the spots next week and take action. Any business activity, where the storage of hazardous materials is involved, should not be carried out in residential areas. If authorities have given such licenses, l will have them cancelled,” Pednekar said.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) corporator Ranjana Patil said, “BMC should ensure that such illegal businesses are not carried out in future.”
A Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) officer said, “We will investigate whether the structure had permission to operate. The four persons, who are injured, are workers at the godown. We will get complete details after we record their statements.”
The Mumbai Police said they will file a case after getting the preliminary report on the incident. Siraaj Inamdar, senior inspector from Versova police station, said, “We are awaiting more details from the Mumbai Fire Brigade and BMC. Once we get it, we will book the culprits.” Dhawal Shah, member of the Andheri Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizens’ Association, said, “There is a serious need of additional fire station in Andheri (West). In the past two months, eight fire incidents have been reported in Andheri and there is one fire station which is far away at Irla. One additional fire station was proposed at Link Road in Andheri (West), but has not been constructed for the last 25 years.”
I request citizens to submit a written application about cylinders kept in nearby areas. We will visit the spots and take action. KISHORI PEDNEKAR, Mumbai mayor