If a fire-related mishap were to take place in Chembur's Pestom Sagar area, residents worry that the fire brigade may not be able to reach them in time, such is the menace of double parking in the area. Roads number 2, 4 and 6 are especially bad, with vehicles parked here for so long that they have begun gathering dust. Additionally, taxis and autos are also parked here overnight.
The Mumbai fire department faced it difficult to go inside Sargam Society in Tilak Nagar due to illegal parking on both sides of the road and inside society premises. Mohini Thakare, president of the Pestom Sagar Citizens' Forum, said illegal parking is rampant here. "We had given written complaints to the regional transport officer, but there was no change," said Thakare.
She said that many Ola and Uber cars are also seen parked across these roads. "It seems that auto rickshaws and taxis find Pestom Sagar a safe place to keep their vehicles. Many of them actually live in other parts of the city but still park their vehicles here," she added.
Thakare said many unauthorised garages have opened along Road Number 6. "Forget fire engines, even walking along the road is difficult," she said.
Pramod Pawar, social worker and RTI activist from Tilak Nagar, said double and illegal parking is prevalent in Chembur and Tilak Nagar. "We can see double parking in almost every road in Tilak Nagar. Around two months ago, when a fire broke out at Tilak Nagar, even the fire brigade couldn't reach there," said Pawar. Furthermore, commercial vehicles park along road and sell fast food here. "They occupy most of the road, but the administration can do nothing," Pawar said.
P Chavan, assistant commissioner of M-West ward, said that they are checking the feasibility of a pay and park facility here. "We are checking all possibilities to maximise parking space. We are checking societies and underground parking in commercial complexes, and soon we will sort out parking issues in the ward," Chavan said.
Balkrushna Mane, police inspector, Chembur traffic division, said, "Through frequent drives, we are taking regular action against double and illegal parking. However, buildings being constructed do not have adequate parking space while the number of vehicles are rising per day," he said.
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