The fate of affected residents of MIDC Phase II is in limbo; local authorities won't let them enter their homes, forcing them to live on the streets
Stranded residents cannot leave the area since the blast tore down the windows and doors of their homes, making it an easy target for robbers. Pics/Satej Shinde
The chemical factory explosion at Dombivli has left more than 1,500 residents homeless. Municipal authorities and officials from the collector's office asked them to vacate their homes, stating that they are still controlling the situation and another blast might occur at any time.
Stranded residents cannot leave the area since the blast tore down the windows and doors of their homes, making it an easy target for robbers. Pics/Satej Shinde
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Yesterday, most of the residents were waiting on the roads, in halls and other open spaces in the blistering heat. They claim authorities have not helped them with food or accommodation. Speaking to mid-day Vipul Gandhi (53), a resident of Pushpam Villa said, "We have been staying on the road for two days. On Thursday night, we were allowed to go back to our homes, but on Friday morning, the authorities asked us to leave. They claim that a boiler can explode at anytime."
Sleepless nights
Shivraman N, a retired Senior PA with Central Railway who resides in the same building said, "The area has become dangerous. Authorities should either allow residential complexes or chemical factories, not both. Both of these at same place will ultimately affect the residents. I had invested my life's savings in the flat, how could we leave the place?"
Shivraman claims sleepless nights are the only option left for them. He added, "There's no help from politicians and local bodies during such a big tragedy. Few people came and asked us to vacate the fat. Who were they and what were they up to? They should have given a letter or notice."
Navnaat Tambe (39) of Mahaganpato Darshan building said, "We visited our home on Thursday night. But at 11.45pm, there were rumours that a fire had broken out again and we started running. We ran away due to rumours more than four times in fear. Till what time we have to be out? Hope the authorities wake up."
Rajesh Shigwan (45) of Varde Viniyak building said, "We are monitoring the area as watchmen as most of the windows and doors are open and the thieves are alert. We fear for our kids because it's unsafe for them to stay at home or outside. Where else do we go?"
Officialspeak
Aniruddha Asthaputre from the district collector's public relations office said more than five teams are surveying the buildings. "Around 800 rooms have been surveyed and the process is going on."
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