Chikhali-Kudalwadi Scrapyard Reports 218 Fires in 5 Years, Sparks Concern
Chikhali-Kudalwadi Scrapyard Reports 218 Fires in 5 Years, Sparks Concern
A sprawling 30-acre scrapyard in Chikhali-Kudalwadi, Pimpri-Chinchwad, has emerged as a major fire-prone area, with a staggering 218 major fire incidents reported over the past five years. The hub, home to over 10,000 scrap processing and storage units, has an annual turnover of ₹800-1,000 crore.
Despite its economic significance, the area’s narrow lanes, crammed with godowns, pose a significant fire hazard. The stockpile of chemical-coated plastics and other flammable materials has made the area highly susceptible to fires, particularly during the summer months.
According to the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) fire department, most storage units in the area operate without proper fire safety and pollution control measures. This lack of regulation has contributed to the rising number of fire incidents: 30 in 2020, 41 in 2021, 44 in 2022, 58 in 2023, and 45 in 2024.
A recent major fire on December 9 gutted over 100 godowns, causing significant financial losses to traders. In response, the PCMC has announced plans to demolish 70 unauthorized godowns operating on reserved land to reduce fire hazards.
Deputy Fire Chief Manoj Lonkar emphasized the need for urgent action, stating to the media that, “The absence of fire safety standards, combined with the proximity of godowns, leaves no space to maneuver fire tenders during emergencies. Chemical-laden plastics can ignite spontaneously, leading to deadly fires.”
To address the surge in fire incidents, the PCMC has set up a fire substation in the area and sealed 30 godowns for failing to install fire extinguishers. Scrap traders have expressed willingness to cooperate with the fire department to develop safety standards.
Additional Commissioner Pradeep Jambhale-Patil vowed to take stringent action, including demolitions, against unauthorized establishments while talking to the media about the incidents. A detailed survey will be conducted to map the area and implement modern fire safety measures.
Local residents, represented by the Chikhali-Moshi Pimpri Chinchwad Housing Federation, have alleged negligence on the part of the PCMC, citing environmental pollution and the increasing number of fires in the area.
