Residents criticise BMC for inaction, despite building failing to pass test in 2010; CFO claims demolition work to begin within a month followed by construction
The dilapidated condition of the Regional Command Centre (RCC) of the Fire Brigade at Marol, Andheri (East) has residents of the area fuming over the lackadaisical attitude of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Residents fear that the structure could collapse at any time and lead to possible of loss of life and damage to structures around.
Danger lurks: A frontal view of the drab-looking Marol Fire Brigade in Andheri (E).u00a0Pic/Pradeep Dhivar
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The BMC had roped in a private contractor in 2010 to inspect the building for repairs, After conducting Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), the building was found to be in a poor condition and the contractor advised demolition and redevelopment rather than repair. A provision was passed by the BMC to redevelop the structure and an estimate was to be made for the project.
Two years later however, nothing more has been done and the condition of the building has only worsened. The CFO has prepared the provision for redevelopment in consultation with the contractor, which is estimated to cost around Rs 6 crore.
The civic body has not yet considered demolishing the structure in the past two years, thereby jeopardising the safety and lives of the fire force personnel, fire engines and other vehicles parked on the premises and residents in the immediate vicinity of the dilapidated structure.
“More than 10 to 12 vehicles are parked under this building and the structure looks so weak and dangerous. I am tired of writing to the BMC to take cognizance in this matter. They have not replied and are not even demolishing the structure. Residents around this area are really unhappy with the way BMC is working and are for not taking us seriously,” said Aziz Amreliwala, a social worker and resident of Marol.
Chief Fire Officer SV Joshi said, “We have taken into consideration the status of Marol RCC and have also budgeted the cost that will be needed, which is coming to about 6 crore. We have written to the BMC and according to the last discussion we had with the authority, we have been ensured that demolition would happen within one month followed by construction.”u00a0
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