On Thursday, the BMC held a joint meeting with representatives from both the residents’ and goldsmith associations to explore the possibility of providing alternative spaces for gold manufacturing units currently operating in the Bhuleshwar/Kalbadevi area. Following in-depth discussions, the civic authorities will compile a detailed report on the matter and submit it to the state government for further action.
The meeting, chaired by Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani at the civic headquarters, was also attended by Additional Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Joshi, Deputy Commissioner of Zone 1 Sangeeta Hasnale, Assistant Commissioner of ‘C’ Ward Vishnu Vidhate, along with representatives from both the Goldsmith and Resident Associations.
Residents raised serious concerns regarding the illegal chimneys of gold and silver smelting units in the Kalbadevi and Zaveri Bazaar areas. These chimneys, which emit harmful toxic fumes, reappeared as soon as the BMC’s enforcement drive against them slowed down.
The smelting process involves furnaces that discharge gases through chimneys, and the release of untreated emissions poses a grave risk to to public health while deteriorating air quality. It is estimated that over 2,500 chimneys currently operate in the Kalbadevi and Bhuleshwar areas.
The Bhuleshwar Resident Association strongly advocated for relocating the goldsmith industry, which operates within residential zones, to designated industrial zones to mitigate these risks. On the other hand, the Goldsmith Associations presented information on the safety measures and environmental safeguards they have put in place while conducting their operations.
Concluding the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Sangeeta Hasnale said, “We have heard the concerns of both associations. A comprehensive report will be compiled and submitted to the state government for further action.”
