Post Kamala Mills Fire, BMC Carries Out A Demolition Drive

BMC today carried out a massive demolition strike after fourteen persons were killed and 16 injured in a massive fire broke out inside the Kamala Mills compound in Mumbai's Lower Parel locality, in the wee hours of Friday, 29 December.

Of the 16 injured, eight were admitted to KEM Hospital for medical assistance while others were shifted to private hospitals.

However, what led to the incident and the loss of life is something that is a wake up call for not just citizens but also for the authorities.

Mumbai’s BJP president Ashish Shelar told The Quint that Kamala Mills compound utilised 10 percent more than the allocated Floor Space Index (FSI). He has asked the BMC to look into the matter and take action against the guilty.

Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant in Lok Sabha demanded a judicial inquiry into the Kamala Mills Fire incident.

Former Mumbai CP Dr Satyapal Singh said that corruption in the BMC has been highlighted and strict actions needs to be taken against such officials, as CNN News18 reported.

Here’s what they had to say about the mishap that could have been easily avoided.

This is not the first time that we are investigating the matter. Investigation of the accident is under process. We are checking against the violators. 

Abasaheb Jarhad, Additional Municipal Commissioner

Restaurants and pubs were forced to shut down by BMC workers, which was seen as a positive yet ineffective step.

I appreciate the action. Its late, but at least they have initiated it. It should not be confined to this compound. It should take place across Mumbai wherever illegal structures are built.

Arvind Sawant, Leader, Shiv Sena

Meanwhile, NCP workers in Mumbai forced restaurants and eateries shut. There were in no mood to budge and claimed that no one could stop them because they weren’t doing anything illegal.

We have not taken law into our hands. People who were running these places illegally are the ones who took law into their hands. 14 people have died here. We have the right to shut these places.

NCP worker

Video Editor: Sandeep Suman