Despite BMC action, work in Kalbadevi's gold units continues

Following an order from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has removed over 250 chimneys from the gold polishing, designing and melting units in the crowded Kalbadevi and Mumbadevi areas of south Mumbai over the past month. The civic body has set March 2018 deadline to remove all chimneys from the area.

According to BMC, there were 2,032 chimneys as per the record of May 2016. However, in January, a fresh survey revealed there were only 750 chimneys were left. Until Saturday, the BMC has already removed over 250 and the remaining, it claims it will remove by the end of March. "If we go by the 2016 figure, around 500 chimneys are left now," said Jeevak Ghegadmal, assistant commissioner of C ward (Kalbadevi, Mumbaidevi).

Despite the BMC removing chimneys, there hasn't been much change in the business operations in the area. The gold processing units continue to operate as usual. While the civic body is removing the chimneys, the gold processing units have turned to using exhaust fans to flush out the toxic gas. Most of these units are operating out of small 20 to 30 sq feet area in the narrow lanes of Kalbadevi thus making it difficult to notice if chimneys are removed. Some of the residents have also pointed out that beside posing health risks, these gold units are also a sitting fire trap.

DNA had reported about BMC's action after Kalbadevi resident Harkishan Gordia on January 8 complained to Fadnavis regarding toxic fumes emitted from the gold units affecting their health. Gordia and other residents also complained of health hazards and violation of fire safety norms. Fadnavis had then directed BMC to remove those chimneys on a priority basis.

Ghegadmal said that they would first dismantle all chimneys at the gold units to ensure no more toxic gases are emitted into the air. "Since these units are commercial and they need to renew their license every six months, we will not renew their licences anymore," said Ghegadmal.

TOUGH TO CHANGE 

• While the civic body is removing the chimneys, the gold processing units have turned to using exhaust fans to flush out the toxic gas.
   
• Some of the residents have also pointed out that beside posing health risks, these gold units are also a sitting fire trap.