BMC to Bombay High Court: Emergency vehicles can move easily around Metro 3 line

In an additional affidavit filed before the Bombay High Court by the Fire Brigade Department, it has relied on the ease with which it doused a fire erupted at Venus Apartments in Cuffe Parade, to show that area around the construction of Metro 3 line, is accessible for emergency services.

The affidavit filed by Fire department officer, Ashok Bangar through advocate Trupti Puranik states that on November 2, a minor fire erupted on the 7th floor of Venus Apartments at around 9:37 pm. The said complaint was attended by the concerned staff immediately and the fire was doused by 9.57 pm. Further, the in-built fire fighting system of the building was found to be in good condition.

The court had earlier asked the fire department to carry out an inspection of the area around Colaba Woods Sports Complex, following which a report stated that the fire department has requested Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRCL) to remove temporary barricades installed for constructing the Metro 3 line, to aid better movement of emergency vehicles.

The affidavit was filed while hearing the plea of Cuffe parade resident Robin Jaisinghani, who has claimed that the roads are blocked outside his house, leading to grave danger in case of emergency fire. As per the survey report submitted earlier, it stated that the area outside hotel Taj Vivanta, Venus and Jupiter buildings in Cuffe Parade on October 31, are found to be accessible.