CM Fadnavis: keep gold biz out of kalbadevi

Mumbai: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday ordered that workshops where goldsmiths manufacture ornaments be shifted from Kalbadevi to otherparts of Mumbai keeping in mind fire safety. Mr Fadnavis has asked the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to issue notice to businessmen in thegold industry.

Goldsmiths have been running workshops on a large scale in the area for several years.

Mr Fadnavis has taken cognisance of Harkisandas Gordia, a Kalbadevi resident. Mr Gordia had filed an online complaint to the chief minister as part of the Lokshahi Din programme — where citizens interact directly with administrative and local self-government body officials and air grievances — alleging that the smoke from these manufacturing units is affecting the health of residents in the area. Mr Gordia alleged that the businessmen are not taking fire safety measures, endangering the lives of residents.

“If the BMC takes action against these workshops, it will take a major toll on the industry, as there is no fixed alternate location for it to shift base. But the safety of the residents is the highest priority,” said an official. Mr Fadnavis has asked officials to take action on residents’ complaints at their level and they would not be required to go to Mantralaya.