Nagpur: The deadly fire at Jaikamal Complex in Mahal on Sunday has once again highlighted the alarming fire safety lapses in Nagpur’s Mahal-Itwari-Gandibagh commercial belt. Despite repeated tragedies, illegal constructions, unsafe storage practices, and administrative apathy continue to endanger lives and property.
The recent blaze, which engulfed a residential flat illegally converted into a godown, claimed the lives of flat owner Girish Khatri (37) and his employee Pratik Dhote. The fire, reportedly triggered by welding sparks, intensified due to the unauthorized stock of firecrackers and electrical goods. A welder, Gunwant Nagpurkar (45), sustained critical burn injuries and is being treated at Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH).
In a rare move, Kotwali police booked the deceased owner and his brother for causing death due to negligence under relevant sections. However, questions are being raised about how such dangerous operations continue to exist unchecked in densely populated areas.
This isn’t an isolated case. In August 2024, a 17-year-old girl lost her life in a fire that erupted at a perfume godown in Itwari, leaving her family injured. In May, another major fire broke out at Rochaldas Sons showroom in Gandhibagh. The incident exposed how unauthorized rooftop constructions — such as tin sheds sealed over solar panel frames — are being used as illegal storage spaces, often without ventilation or firefighting systems.
According to data from the Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s Fire and Emergency Department, Mahal and Itwari have witnessed at least 72 fire incidents between 2019 and 2024. Many buildings serve dual purposes — with commercial godowns on lower floors and families residing above — yet most operate without a fire department’s No Objection Certificate (NOC) or basic fire extinguishing measures.
Narrow lanes, rampant encroachments, and the absence of emergency infrastructure continue to hamper firefighting efforts. While the number of fires and casualties rise, enforcement remains lax, and critical safety norms are consistently ignored.
With growing pressure on space and profit-driven violations in these heritage business zones, experts and residents are calling for a comprehensive safety audit and strict crackdown on unauthorized constructions before more lives are lost.
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