Thane: No Fire Safety System Found in Gaodevi Market; Year-Old Report Raises Serious Questions

Following the massive fire incident at the Gaodevi vegetable market in Thane, a year-old fire safety audit report has now come to light, revealing that the building had no adequate fire safety systems in place. The report had clearly flagged multiple serious violations, but no effective corrective action appears to have been taken.

According to the findings, the ground floor had a diesel generator placed next to two-wheeler parking, closed staircases, cloth shops located near high-voltage electrical panels, and an overall absence of basic fire safety measures. These lapses were highlighted as major risks in case of an emergency.

Questions are now being raised over alleged administrative negligence, as the building was reportedly in use without an occupancy certificate. However, the municipal corporation has not issued any official clarification so far.

On April 2, 2025, a formal complaint was submitted by Thane City District Congress President Rahul Pingale, following which a physical inspection was carried out on April 3 by officials from the Jawaharbaug Fire Station. The inspection uncovered several alarming safety violations.

The report noted that the ground floor of the two-storey-plus-ground building had around 1,051 square metres of space used for parking nearly 450 two-wheelers daily. A diesel generator was placed within this parking area, surrounded by parked vehicles, increasing fire risk significantly. It was also found that a staircase connecting the ground floor to the market had been blocked due to construction, leaving only one entry-exit route, which could pose a major hazard during emergencies.

The ground floor also houses around 155 shops, including fruit and vegetable vendors, cosmetics, juice stalls, photocopy shops, and clothing stores. Despite having six entry and exit points, many areas were obstructed due to encroachments and unsafe structures.

Near the main entrance, clothing shops and two-wheeler parking were observed on both sides. Cloth storage was found near the meter room adjacent to the northern gate. On the western side, electrical high-voltage panels, a meter room, and motor systems were located alongside cloth shops, creating further safety concerns.

On the first floor, the Sub-Registrar’s office and record room employ around 31 staff members, but no fire protection systems were in place. The second floor houses a government-supported skill development and apprenticeship centre with around 200 students attending classes in eight classrooms. Although some fire extinguishers were installed, many were found to be unrefilled.

The Kopri-Naupada ward office on the premises, which employs around 150 staff members, also reportedly lacked effective fire safety arrangements. The report had clearly warned that in case of an incident, there could be significant loss of life and property due to the high footfall of citizens, employees, and students.

Local leaders now allege that the fire occurred due to unresolved safety violations highlighted in the earlier report. They are demanding a formal investigation into the matter and clarity on which agency will take responsibility for the inquiry.