Civic corporation cleaned up area after locals complained but says can’t remove debris as it is private land
Locals fear the debris and garbage dumped on the spot could lead to illnesses. Pic/Ashish Raje
The site where Gokul Niwas, the building in Girgaon that collapsed after a fire in 2015 stood, has now become a spot to dump waste. The debris from work — repairs, renovation — in nearby buildings has also been dumped there. Local residents say the dumping started during the lockdown and they have made several complaints about it, but the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is not taking action citing it is private land.
Four Fire Brigade officers, including then Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Sunil Nesrikar, Deputy Chief Officer Sudhir Amin, Assistant Divisional Fire Officer Sanjay Rane and Byculla Station Officer Mahendra Desai lost their lives in the fire at Gokul Niwas in Kalbadevi. Now after six years the spot could also spread illnesses.
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“First someone put the debris on the spot. Then people started throwing garbage over it. In the rainy season, it became a nuisance and health hazard. I made several complaints to the local corporator and the BMC but nothing has happened,” said Surendra Duggar, a local businessman. He said the road was busy before the lockdown and as life is getting back on track again, more and more people are coming into the commercial area. He said the menace is increasing, and the civic authority must act as it will spread illnesses.
Akash Purohit, local corporator told mid-day, “I asked the ward office and they removed dry and wet waste from the site. But it is private land and the owner must remove the debris. I will ask the civic body to send a notice to the owner.”
Bharat Torne, assistant commissioner of C ward said, "Our team cleaned the waste on the site considering a hygiene issue. But we can't remove the debris as it is on private land." Another official from the BMC said residents are dumping their garbage there. The official also said there is a dispute regarding redevelopment between the owner and tenants and no one is taking responsibility for the debris. mid-day tried to trace the owner of the building but could not find him.
2015
Year Gokul Niwas building collapsed following a fire
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