Big Decision by the Administration Regarding Unauthorized Scrap Warehouses in Kudalwadi
After the fire incident in Kudalwadi, the issue of warehouses and commercial establishments in various areas of the city, including Talwade, Chikhali, and Jadhavwadi, has come to the forefront once again.
Pimpri Chinchwad : After the fire in Chikhali and Kudalwadi, the Municipal Corporation administration has surveyed the warehouses in the area. There are 4,662 commercial establishments in this area, and notices have been issued to warehouse owners who have unauthorized warehouses and those neglecting fire safety measures. Warehouses that have already received three notices will be sealed starting Monday.
After the fire incident in Kudalwadi, the issue of unauthorized warehouses and commercial establishments in areas like Talwade, Chikhali, and Jadhavwadi has come to the forefront again. These unauthorized establishments span around 150 acres. It took the fire department four days to control the fire in the warehouses spread over four acres in Kudalwadi. Despite efforts, some areas are still smoldering, and 35 warehouses have been destroyed.
Repeated Fire Incidents in Kudalwadi
Scrap warehouses in the Kudalwadi area frequently catch fire. A survey has been conducted to determine how many scrap warehouses exist. Notices have been sent to all establishments found in the survey, instructing them to implement fire safety measures. However, many establishments have ignored these notices. Two notices were issued, and after a third notice, actions will be taken, including disrupting their water and electricity supply and sealing the establishments.
Neglecting Fire Safety Measures
A survey of 4,662 establishments in the Kudalwadi and Talwade areas found that 4,512 establishments were given notices regarding fire safety measures. The Fire Department has issued No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to 244 establishments that complied with the safety measures. However, 4,268 establishments neglected fire safety, and actions will be taken against them.
Increase in Fire Incidents
The warehouses in Kudalwadi, Chikhali, and surrounding areas contain various types of scrap materials like plastic, wood, rubber, tires, fiber, and chemicals. All these warehouses are unauthorized, and fire incidents occur frequently. In 2020, there were 30 fires; in 2021, 41 fires; in 2022, 44 fires; in 2023, 58 fires; and by the end of October 2024, 44 fire incidents had already occurred.
Action Against Unauthorized Establishments
The Municipal Corporation has begun issuing notices to unauthorized establishments in Kudalwadi. Establishments that have already received three notices will face action starting Monday, as confirmed by Manoj Lonkar, Deputy Commissioner of the Fire Department. Dr. Amol Kolhe, Member of Parliament from Shirur (NCP), has suggested to the Municipal Commissioner to establish a fire department center in Kudalwadi and ensure regular safety audits. He also emphasized that the fire incident should not be politicized and that an impartial investigation should be conducted.
