Explain no action over ‘Make in India’ fire, says Bombay HC

Mumbai: The Bombay high court has directed the state government to state what action it would take against contractor of 2016 ‘Make in India’ investment meet at Girgaum Chowpatty, wherein fire had broken out destroying the stage. The blaze had engulfed the stage at the cultural event at Girgaum Chowpatty sea-front where a string of film celebrities and political leaders were present as part of the high-profile investment meet.

In an order on June 21 this year, the high court had held that the function caused considerable destruction and damage to Girgaum Chowpatty Beach. Further, the co-
urt had issued various directions for the installation of watchtower, police chowki, lights at Girgaon Chowpatty.

A division bench of Justices Abhay Oka and Riyaz Chagala was hearing a public interest litigation filed by NGO Adarsh Chowpatty Pragati Mandal, raising concerns of soil erosion caused at the beach due to erection of structures for functions and rallies held there. The court on Wednesday while passing the order considered the probe report of the chief fire brigade officer, which was filed immediately after the fire incident in 2016, stated inflammable material was placed near the stage, which resulted in the blaze.

"In view of this report, we want to know from the state government if it proposes to initiate action against the organisers and contractors of the function. The government shall let us know of its decision within three weeks," Justice Oka said. Enormous damage was caused to the beach due to the fire, he added. The court has kept the hearing after three weeks.