Following the devastating fire at Gaondevi market in Thane last week that claimed the lives of a fire brigade station officer and a security guard while injuring three others, demands for a comprehensive review of the city’s fire preparedness have intensified.
BJP corporator Namrata Koli has urged the civic administration to conduct an immediate fire safety audit of public infrastructure across Thane, including ward offices, hospitals, markets and other municipal properties, ahead of the upcoming general body meeting.
In a letter addressed to Mayor Sharmila Pimpalolkar, Koli highlighted concerns regarding alleged shortcomings in fire preparedness and the absence of regular safety inspections at civic-owned structures. She also sought a detailed discussion on the operational condition, staffing shortages and infrastructure challenges faced by the Thane Fire Brigade.
“Preliminary findings in the Gaondevi market blaze revealed inadequate firefighting systems at the market, prompting fresh concerns over fire readiness at public facilities. Thane’s rapid urbanisation and the rise of high-rise buildings have increased pressure on the fire department, which continues to face staff shortages and infrastructure gaps. There is a need to modernise the department to respond swiftly to emergencies,” she said.
Activists have also raised concerns over the city’s firefighting capacity, pointing out that nearly 300 personnel working in shifts are responsible for handling emergencies across a population estimated at around 25 lakh residents.
Questions have additionally been raised over the temporary relocation of the Jawahar Baug fire station due to redevelopment work, with activists claiming the move has left densely populated areas dependent on distant fire stations during emergencies.
NCP SP MLA Jitendra Awhad criticised delays in filling vacant posts within the department and questioned whether authorities intended to rely on contractual recruitment for critical emergency services.
Thane Congress president Rahul Pingale also alleged that he had earlier warned the administration about potential risks at the facility but no action was taken.
Source: The Times of India
