TMC Drafts ₹43.36 Lakh Proposal To Repair Defunct Fire Systems At Pachpakhadi Headquarters
The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has drafted a ₹43,36,800 proposal to completely repair and upgrade the defunct firefighting systems at its headquarters in Pachpakhadi, Thane. Scheduled for presentation before the general body meeting for official approval on July 20, the administrative move follows intense political scrutiny over municipal fire safety lapses.
The decision comes in the wake of a tragic fire incident at the Gaondevi Vegetable Market, which claimed two lives. The incident sparked widespread public outrage and led to heavy criticism of the municipal administration's oversight.
During a recent general body meeting, corporators questioned civic officials regarding safety protocols. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP - Sharad Pawar faction) corporator Sudhir Bhagat prominently raised the issue, pointing out the irony that while the TMC strictly enforces fire safety regulations on private buildings across Thane, the firefighting systems within its own headquarters were compromised and non-functional.
Prompted by the backlash, the Chief Fire Officer submitted a detailed report highlighting the urgent need to either replace or extensively repair multiple components of the headquarters' firefighting infrastructure. Critics had previously alleged that fire safety at the headquarters was left entirely to chance.
According to the official proposal, the comprehensive upgrade will restore and operationalize critical safety systems. The work will include the repair and replacement of smoke detectors, manual fire alarm buttons, and ABC-type and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) fire extinguishers.
Additionally, the project will address the main fire pumps, booster pumps, standby pumps, riser pipe systems, landing valves, and hose reels. Emergency exit directional signages and response indicators will also be installed or repaired.
The municipal administration has finalized the financial blueprint for the project, paving the way for immediate implementation once the general body grants its approval on July 20.
