What’s your problem with us: Ghatkopar, Vikhroli East locals ask fire department

The plot of land at Kanjurmarg West where the new fire station is set to come up. Pic/Sameer Markande

As the BMC starts the process to set up a fire station at Kanjurmarg West, residents of neighbouring Vikhroli East and Ghatkopar have raised their voices seeking a separate fire station. The demand comes as the over 10-km stretch between Mulund and Ghatkopar East, with a population of around 3 lakh, does not have a single fire station. "The demand for a fire station at Ghatkopar and Vikhroli East is old," said former corporator Bhalchandra Shirsat. He added, "The nearest fire stations are in Govandi and Vikhroli, and fire engines take more than 10 minutes to reach Ghatkopar East due to the traffic congestion."

The former corporator said, "Old buildings are being redeveloped in Pantnagar and Garodia Nagar and the number of high-rises is increasing. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a fire station here." As per Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation record, more than 200 high-rises have come up in Ghatkopar and Vikhroli East in the past five years. The population of Ghatkopar East is more than 5 lakh while that of Vikhroli East is around 2 lakh.

Suresh Sarnobat, a resident of Vikhroli East, said, "Kannamwar Nagar and Tagore Nagar are one of the largest residential colonies in Mumbai, but don't have a fire station. So, the BMC should think about a fire station for Vikhroli East. The civic body should at least set up a mini fire station till a main fire station is built." Chief Fire Officer Hemant Parab said, "We have identified some plots, but it will take time to develop fire stations. We can think over the demand for a mini fire station."

"As per standard operating procedure, fire engines are to reach the spot within 3-4 minutes after the call of disaster. However, in Mumbai, the response time is around 13-14 minutes," a former chief fire officer said, adding, "In the eastern part of Ghatkopar, Vikhroli needs a separate fire station. Vikhroli West fire station is at Lalbahadur Shastri Road, which is always choked by traffic. The other nearest fire station is in Govandi on Ghatkopar Mankhurd Link Road, which also sees slow moving traffic."

Meanwhile, BMC has called tender for the construction of a fire station at Kanjurmarg West near Lalbahadur Shastri Road. The project, with an estimated cost of R13.86 crore, includes two buildings, a drill tower and other civil work. Of the two buildings, a three-storey one will be the fire station while the four-storey one will be used as staff quarters," said a fire brigade official.

Rs 14 cr
Estimated cost of Kanjurmarg fire station