Can’t compensate shopkeepers: BMC

Despite demands from corporators from across the political spectrum, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), on Monday, categorically ruled out the prospect of compensating traders who were affected by Saturday's fire.

Despite demands from corporators from across the political spectrum, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), on Monday, categorically ruled out the prospect of compensating traders who were affected by Saturday's fire.

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“We cannot give them any compensation since relief and rehabilitation of victims is the sole prerogative of the state government,” said additional municipal commissioner Mohan Adtani.

Corporators also questioned the efficiency of Mumbai fire brigade's firefighting abilities.

“Locals have reportedly said that the fire brigade arrived late and even when it did, there was a shortage of water. How can our fire brigade react in such an inefficient manner,” said NCP group leader Niyaz Vanu. BJP group leader Ashish Shelar, also joined in the attack on the BMC. “It is worrying that such a major fire, in the heart of the city, could not be controlled for 20 hours,” Shelar said.

Adtani, however, dismissed all allegations of inefficiency. “Our fire brigade performed very well and ensured that not a single life was lost,” he said.