Talawade-like tragedy awaits DP Road!

Have the civic and police authorities forgotten the major fire that broke out at Talawade just a few days ago? Around 54 firecracker stalls have been set up on the DP road near Mhatre Bridge and the vehicles of buyers are allowed to be parked just across the road posing a grave risk to people and property.

Similar were the circumstances when a major fire broke out at a firecracker stall set up in a residential complex in Talawade.

However, neither the police nor the civic administration have put up any no parking board visible for the visitors to the firecracker stalls near Mhatre Bridge to avoid any untoward incidence.

According to the city police which issued instructions regarding permission and setting up of firecracker stalls, a firecracker stall should not be set up in residential areas but on an open plot located around 150 feet from the road. Mahesh Patil, a visitor to firecracker stall said, “We do not know the rules but if there was a no parking board then I would not have parked my vehicle near the firecracker stall risking my as well as others life in case of a fire.”

Another visitor Shriram Joshi said, “It is a very serious flaw that a no traffic police are present for manning the heavy traffic.”

PMC deputy chief fire officer Prashant Ranpise said, “Ban on vehicle parking near firecracker stall is mandatory and the distance between the stall and the parking should be at least 15 metres.”
However, assistant commissioner of police (traffic), Rajendra Bhamre said, “I am not aware about such development. I will take necessary steps after inspecting the area.”