Mumbai: Marol has learnt no lessons from 2018 fire, continues to flout rules

It's been one year since a fire at Maimoon Manzil in Andheri's Marol area claimed four lives. But it appears that nothing has changed in these 12 months. Vehicles continue to be parked on the narrow road, blocking access to adjoining areas as well.

It appears that neither the administration nor residents have learnt any lessons from the Maimoon Manzil fire. Following the accident on January 3, 2018, the fire department had found it difficult to make it to the building. Adjoining areas like Marol Maroshi bus station, military road and Marol Pipeline had all faced a similar situation with illegally parked vehicles.

In the last two decades, the Marol locality has changed significantly. A number of corporates have set up their offices here, while being located close to the Western Express Highway and Andheri railway station means it's also prime real estate. The Mumbai Metro flows through this part, giving it good East-West connectivity.

This area comprises localities like Marol village, Marol Naka, Marol depot, Vijay Nagar, Bhavani Nagar, and parts of JB Nagar and Marol MIDC.

James John, a coordinator with Action for Good Governance and Networking in India, said this is a complete failure of governance. "There are laws that prevent parking along the road. But the authority, either civic or traffic, seem to have failed to implement this," said James.