Fires continued to haunt the city on Friday.
Three godowns caught fire in Nagpada a little before noon. Though there were no injuries, Friday’s fire brought businesses without permissions to the forefront and lack of action by authorities. Even more surprising was that one of the godowns had similar mobile batteries and accessories that caused the fire around Manish Market.
“All of them were illegal. We had complained to the authorities and they had even served a notice to them in 2013. We kept on reminding the officials from BMC, fire and even police but there was no action taken,” said Rizwan Khan, one of the residents of Zia Apartment Cooperative Housing Society on Belasis Road near Nagpada whose godowns were gutted in fire.
The building, which has two wings with more than 50 flats and 13 shops, has three godowns. “All have been operating illegally. They were sold by the builder,” said Syed Ahmad Hussain, chairperson of the society.
The fire, which was spotted by one of the workers, started after 11.30 am. One of the workers said that they smelt something burning and then rushed out when there was smoke. Over 50 people work in the godowns at any given time that has mobile accessories, garments and inflammable liquids.
“The smoke had reached the sixth floor where I live. We ensured that we quickly evacuated the building,” said Aamir Choudhury, resident of sixth floor. The building has a clinic on first floor and a Musafirkhana on second floor.
“The fire caused a lot of hardships to senior citizens and children. We have only one entry and exit next to the godown, which itslef has one narrow entry and exit gate. Imagine if this had happened in the night,” said another resident of society. Assistant municipal commissioner of the E ward was not available for comment. Deputy municipal commissioner of zone 1 and additional municipal commissioner of city said they were out of town.
“All action will be taken as per the decisions taken by the BMC when fire taken place. People will have to comply or their places will be sealed,” I Kundan, additional municipal commissioner.